Hill states need separate transport policy: Minister

Tribune News Service

Shimla, April 20

Transport Minister Govind Singh Thakur on Friday stressed the need for a separate transport policy for hill states.

He was speaking at a meeting of Group of Ministers (Transport) in Guwahati. The minister pointed out that Himachal had taken several preventive measures to check road accidents, ensure road safety, undertake unification of taxes, provisions of national permits for buses and uniformity in vehicle registration and driving licences.

He said despite the tough topography, the state had been improving services by using modern technology and special steps were being taken to prevent road accidents.

The minister said considering the special conditions and insufficiency of land, there was a need to develop alternative modes of transport like ropeways, sky buses and mono rail in the state.