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Urban Scenario In India out of the total population of 1027 million as on 1st March, 2001, about 742 million live in rural areas and 285 million in urban areas. The percentage decadal growth of population in rural and urban areas during the 1990-2000 decade was 17.9 and 31.2 percent respectively. The Ministry of Urban Development is in the process of framing a National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP) to address the various issues involved in urban transport. The objective of this policy is to ensure safe, affordable, quick, comfortable, reliable and sustainable access for the growing number of city residents to jobs, education, recreation and such other needs within our cities. This is sought to be achieved by incorporating urban transportation as an important parameter at the urban planning stage rather than being a consequential requirement; bringing about a more equitable allocation of road space - with people, rather than vehicles, as its main focus; investing in transport systems that encourage greater use of public transport and non-motorized modes instead of personal motor vehicles; reducing pollution levels through changes in travelling practices, better enforcement, stricter norms, technological improvements;building capacity (institutional and manpower) to plan for sustainable urban transport; and promoting the use of cleaner technologies.
The Ministry of Urban Development has committed to encourage specific initiatives in this regard. According to the 2001 census, there are 35 metropolitan cities with million plus population. There are eight cities in the country with more than 3 million population, which include Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kolkata. Among all the States and Union territories, the National Capital Territory of Delhi is most urbanized with 93 percent urban population and will be hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games, which is expected to give a big boost to ITS technologies and services. For more information go to: http://urbanindia.nic.in/moud/programme/ut/main.htm Other links: 1. Draft National Urban Transport Policy(PDF) 2. Delhi MRTS (Phase - I & II)(PDF) 3. Urban Transport Studies - Completed and Current(PDF) 4. Report on Sky Bus Metro System(PDF) |
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