In view of increasing number of casualties and deaths in road accidents, the Madhya Pradesh government has launched its transport policy, claiming MP to be the first state to have its own transport policy. During 2007, 41,981 road accidents claimed 6,671 lives in the state. The policy, though, is primarily focused on shifting transport operations from government machinery to private partners.
“The new policy will redefine, efficient public transport, modern bus system, efficiency in rural transport, improved infrastructure of bus-stands, alternate arrangement of transport after closure of Madhya Pradesh Road Transport Corporation, efficient goods transportation, modern techniques in road transport and above all, safety of passengers,” said an official.
Of all road accidents, drivers are held responsible in 80 per cent cases, their training, vehicle fitness and regular checking is not possible with the existing lean staff. “The state government will rope in private partners to arrange training of drivers, check vehicle fitness and set up trauma centres at various locations on highways,” the official said adding, “The policy has defined all these aspects.”
However, private vehicles will ply the roads on existing open permit system with certain restrictions on single operator on many routes. “Any private operator who has passenger transport permit for many routes, will have now certain restrictions. Any transport company will not be given more than 50 per cent of the permits on a particular route,” the official clarified.
Plans are afoot to create district transport authorities along the lines of state transport authorities to ensure easy availability of permits to private partners in rural areas.