Advocating the use of Information and communications technology (ICT) to tackle traffic congestion in urban areas, 'Technology Vision 2035' prepared by the country's technology think tank has proposed semi-high speed and bullet trains for faster intercity access.
It also said that by 2035, technology should enable peopleto access public transportation within one km from their homes.
No place will be more than three hours away from district headquarters, five hours from the state capital andeight hours from the national capital.
Inter-modal mobilityshould ensure that no two points in a metropolitan area would be more than an hour away, it added.
"Mobility enhances the quality of an individual's lifeand binds the nation together.
Different segments of ourpopulation will face different transportation necessities.
While time will be the basic constraint in cities, in thecountryside distance will remain the primary barrier,"the vision document prepared by Technology Information, Forecasting & Assessment Council (TIFAC) said.
The vision document was released by Prime MinisterNarendra Modi at the inaugural session of the five-day 103rd Indian Science Congress in Mysuru on Sunday.
"Every settlement will be connected with an all-weather road and every panchayat will have a helipad for delivery of services such as emergency healthcare.
Also, from safe mobility perspective we must ensure zero pedestrian fatalities in all parts of the country.
This would require mandatory, technology-assisted drivertraining," the vision document said.
Safe and speedy mobility is one among the
twelveprerogatives that according to the document should be available to each and every Indian.
It also said "ensuring the attainment of these prerogatives is the core of our technology vision for India.
"Pointing out the growing population in urban areas and increasing influx of industrial zones to semi-rural neighborhoods that require 25-50 km of one way travel, the document said providing last mile connectivity through multi-modal means is a huge challenge," it said.
"Use of ICT to tackle traffic congestion will be essential. Development of vehicles that are twice as fuel efficient but emit half the current emissions will be required," it said.
"High quality infrastructure, road
transportationtechnologies and traffic management systems are organicallyinterrelated and should be treated in an integrated manner".
"In addition, there will be a need for intercity connections through cost-effective modes such as semi-high speed and bullet trains for faster intercity access," it said.
The vision also states that multi-modal mobility forgoods and services will need to be enhanced with developmentof dedicated, high speed freight rail corridors.
Technology interventions will involve trade-offs with the need for sustaining and growing the quantum of land under cultivation, vision document said.
"Indigenous capabilities would need to be enhanced, especially with regard to transportation infrastructure and equipment. Involvement of private sector will contribute to cost-effective execution and quality of delivery," it added.
Highlighting the need for special focus on inland waterways and coastal waters for transportation, the document also said that technological challenges associated with transportation links between India and its neighbouring countries also need to be addressed.
Other eleven prerogatives listed out in the vision by TIFAC include- clean air and portable water; food and nutritional security; universal healthcare and public hygiene; 24x7 energy; decent habitat; quality education, livelihood andcreative opportunities; cultural diversity and vibrancy amongothers.
