With India chalking out major infrastructure development plans, Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has held talks with senior British officials here on investment and technological upgradation plans in transportation sector.
The senior BJP leader held bilateral talks with UK minister for government policy Oliver Letwin, UK secretary of state for business, innovation and skills Vince Cable, and parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport Robert Goodwill to discuss a range of issues of mutual concern to India and the UK, officials said.
During his two-day visit on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Road Transport and Highways minister also visited the head office of the UK's Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) situated in Swansea, Wales.
At the DVLA, which is responsible for the maintenance of records of licensed drivers and registered vehicles and the issuance of licences to drivers in the UK, he was given an overview of the agency's functions and responsibilities by Oliver Morley, DVLA Chief Executive Officer.
He was also given a briefing about vehicle registration and systems, automated first registration, updates to vehicle keeper changes and Automatic Number Plate Recognition.
In addition, he was informed about the work of Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency (DVSA), including driver testing and training, next generation testing and next generation enforcement.
Gadkari, who was accompanied by joint secretary in the ministry Sanjay Bandopadyaya, also participated in an interactive session organised by the UK India Business Council in association with Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) here.
"The Minister informed the audience about the Government of India's plans on roads with a particular focus on vehicle data, road safety and in the investment plans in transport infrastructure including multi-modal transport infrastructure," an official statement here said.
The minister also visited the Ministry of Transport (MOT) Test station at Stockwell Bus Garage in London and was informed about the Inspection of Maintenance and Testing facilities at the station.
He was escorted to the venue in one of London's historic and Iconic vehicles, the Routemaster Bus, and briefed about MOTs operation enroute.
Gadkari also visited the offices of Transport for London (TfL) where he met by Garrett Emmerson, TfL's Chief Operating Officer-Surface Transport who gave him insights into the city's Congestion Charging, Automatic Number Plate Recognition, Revenue Collection and Intelligent Transport Systems.
