Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways announced plans to centralize all transportation systems —roadways, railways, airways, waterways, and ropeways—into single hubs and terminals across India to streamline and enhance passenger convenience.These terminals will serve as a one-stop solution for connecting various modes of transport, catering to 87% of passenger traffic that moves via roads in the country.
It will reduce urban congestion and improve economic activity through the creation of city centres.It will also facilitate easy transfers between different modes of transport. Two pilot hubs will be developed in Katra and Tirupati, along with another two in Varanasi and Nagpur through National Highways Logistics Management (NHLM), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the NHAI.NHLM is responsible for spearheading pivotal initiatives aimed at improving transport logistics, infrastructure, and asset monetization.
Key points related to One Nation, One Location
- Facilitating smooth transfer between different modes of transport: Under this scheme, smooth transfer between different modes of transport will be facilitated, which will make it easier for passengers to travel from one place to another.
- Acting as a one-stop solution: This scheme will act as a one-stop solution to connect various modes of transport. It aims to meet the needs of 87% of passenger traffic traveling through roads in the country.
- Developing pilot hubs: Two pilot hubs will be developed at Katra and Tirupati by National Highway Logistics Management (NHLM), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NHAI. Apart from this, two other hubs will also be developed in Varanasi and Nagpur.
- Reduction in urban congestion: This initiative will reduce urban congestion of Indian cities and improve economic activities through the creation of urban centers.
- Role of National Highway Logistics Management (NHLM): National Highway Logistics Management (NHLM) is responsible for spearheading key initiatives aimed at improving transport logistics infrastructure and asset monetization. Hence, the scheme aims to simplify and improve passenger amenities, thereby saving both time and money.
National Highways
- National Highways (NH) are the major roads of India, which are extremely important for inter-state movement of passengers and goods.
- These roads connect different parts of the country, forming an extensive and well-organized road network in India.
- National Highways connect major ports, rail junctions, state and national capitals, cross-border and international roads.
- National Highways provide vital connectivity not only within the country but also internationally.
- Although the total length of national highways is only 1.7% of all roads, they carry about 40% of road traffic. It also includes expressways, which are built for fast and smooth travel.
- This network of national highways plays an important role in the economic and social progress of the country, as it facilitates trade and traffic between different regions.
Bharatmala Project
- The Bharatmala project was launched by the Central Government in 2015. It is a comprehensive program under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
- The scheme aims to build 83,677 km of highways and roads with an investment of about Rs 7 lakh crore.
- In the first phase of the Bharatmala project, there is a plan to build 34,800 km of highways at a cost of Rs 5.35 lakh crore.
- It focuses on new initiatives such as development of border and international connectivity roads, coastal and port connectivity roads, improving the efficiency of national corridors, economic corridors and others.
Importance of One Nation, One Location
The One Nation, One Location initiative not only improves passenger convenience but also provides economic development and environmental benefits.
Improvement in passenger convenience
- The main objective of this initiative is to improve passenger convenience. When all modes of transport are available at one place, passengers will find it easier to transfer from one mode to another. This will save time and make the travel experience more pleasant. For example, if the railway station, bus stand and metro station are at one place, passengers will not need to go to different places. This will allow passengers to cover more distance in less time.
Creation of new employment opportunities and increased economic growth
- The creation of urban centers and better transport facilities will increase economic activities. When various modes of transport are available at one place, business and commercial activities will accelerate. This will create new employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy. Apart from this, better transport facilities will also promote tourism, which will bring economic benefits. This initiative is especially important in areas where there is a high potential for economic growth but there is a lack of transport facilities.
Reduction in pollution and environmental benefits
- Reduction in urban congestion will reduce pollution and bring environmental benefits. When commuters can use different modes of transport at one place, the need for private vehicles will be reduced. This will reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and also reduce the problem of traffic jams. As a result, air pollution and noise pollution will be reduced, which will benefit the environment. Apart from this, promoting the use of public transport will also lead to energy savings.
Promoting social inclusion
- This initiative will also promote social inclusion. When all transport modes are available at one place, people from all sections of society will be able to travel easily. This will increase equality and harmony in society. In particular, people from rural and remote areas will also be able to avail better transport facilities, which will also improve their quality of life. Thus, the One Nation, One Location initiative is extremely important from the point of view of passenger convenience, economic development, environmental benefits and social inclusion.