Metro Rail: Policy Development

The Ministry of Urban Development launched the National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP) in 2006 to ensure, accessible, safe, affordable and sustainable mobility for all. The major objectives of the policy are:

Bring about better integration of land use and transport planning so as to improve access to jobs, education, etc.:

• Encourage public transport and non-motorized transport so that the dependence on personal motor vehicles is reduced;
• Offer central government support for investments in cycle tracks and pedestrian paths;
• Offer central government support for investments in mass transit systems;
• Have a more coordinated approach to urban transport management through Unified Metropolitan Transport Authorities;
• Offer support for capacity building at the state level;
• Design parking facilities in a manner that encourages greater use of public transport and non motorized modes as also financial support for construction of parking complexes;
• Provide concessions for the adoption of cleaner fuel and vehicle technologies so that the pollution caused by motor vehicles gets reduced.

In May 2012, the Ministry of Urban Development, constituted an advisory board for metro railways. The board will assist and advise the Central Government on matters pertaining to the metro rail systems coming in various cities in the country.