The road transport and highways ministry plans to build public transport and terminal infrastructure across India to centralise all transportation systems, including roadways, railways, airways, waterways and ropeways, into a single location to streamline passenger experience and significantly enhance convenience for users.
The move is aimed at improving the efficiency of freight and passenger movement in the country as such terminals will act as a one-stop solution for interfacing and interconnecting different modes of transport to cater to 87% of the passenger traffic moving through roads in the country, said officials.
The plan is to develop two pilot hubs in Katra and Tirupati and another two in Varanasi and Nagpur through National Highways Logistics Management, a fully owned company of National Highways Authority of India.
“Development of public transport and terminal infrastructure will have multiple socio-economic benefits and help in improving passenger experience, reducing urban congestion and improving economic activity through creation of city centres,” said one of the officials, who did not wish to be identified.
The government is of the view that travellers often face challenges navigating through fragmented transport systems, including state-run buses, metros, rickshaws and auto-rickshaws, and navigating city roads congested with hotels and lounges.
“By integrating various modes of transportation, public transport and terminal infrastructure seeks to simplify journeys for passengers, providing seamless connectivity and facilitating easy transfers between different modes of transport,” the official said.