The Union Ministry for Road Transport and Highways has unveiled an extensive mobility transformation plan aimed at revolutionising India’s transportation infrastructure. The initiative encompasses the introduction of hyperloop systems, electric rapid transit networks, and ropeways across 360 locations, targeting both urban centres and remote areas through cutting-edge technology.

As part of this initiative, ropeways, cable cars, and funicular railways are planned in 360 locations, including pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath. Work has already begun on 60 of these projects, with individual project costs ranging between Rs 2 billion and Rs 50 billion. These efforts are aimed at bolstering alternative modes of transport across the country.

The plan also includes upgrading 25,000 km of two-lane highways into four-lane roads, establishing an electric mass rapid transit network along major routes, and accelerating road construction to 100 km per day. These developments are intended to enhance national connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and mitigate environmental impact.

Pilot projects involving Metrino pod taxis, hyperloop systems, and pillar-based rapid transit have been proposed for cities such as Delhi and Bengaluru. Hyperloop technology is expected to enable high-speed travel in low-pressure tubes, offering a futuristic alternative for urban transport.

In Nagpur, a pilot project will test a 135-seater electric bus equipped with executive-class seating, air-conditioning, and airline-grade facilities. These buses are designed to operate at speeds of 120–125 km/h and recharge within 30–40 minutes at dedicated stops. They are projected to cost 30 per cent less than diesel buses while significantly lowering emissions.

Eleven companies, including Tata, Toyota, Hyundai, and Mahindra, have committed to developing flex-fuel engine vehicles. These vehicles can run on multiple fuel types such as ethanol, methanol, biofuels, and traditional fuels, helping reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports.

The transport sector currently contributes around 40 per cent to India's air pollution. In response, the government aims to reduce emissions and the nation’s Rs 22 trillion annual fuel import bill through the adoption of green mobility solutions. Enhanced road infrastructure is expected to lower logistics costs from 14 per cent of GDP to 9 per cent by the end of the year.

Since 2021, the Ministry's scope has expanded to include coordination, policy-making, standardisation, and research related to ropeways and other innovative transportation technologies, enabling focused development in inaccessible regions.

Further infrastructure upgrades include the development of 670 roadside amenities along national highways, deployment of AI-based road safety systems such as drones and cameras, and plans to plant 200–250 million trees along highways. A tree bank system is also being developed in partnership with the Ministry of Environment.

The ministry aims to bring Indian highways on par with US road standards within a year and anticipates that metropolitan areas will soon feature cable-run buses and electric mass transit systems. This comprehensive initiative signals a major step toward sustainable transportation and improved nationwide connectivity.

News source: Autocar Professional