Transport is an essential ingredient to the all round development of a State. The growth of transport sector has a direct bearing on the economic diversification, industrialization, establishment of desirable human settlement, social and cultural integration and improvement of quality of life of people of the State. Odisha has enacted a well-designed Transport Policy in 2007 aiming at establishing an efficient, modernized transport administration and management system for both freight and passenger traffic movement for which Central Assistance is absolutely necessary to implement the policy, said Sri Subrat Tarai, Minister Commerce & Transport while discussing with Sri Oscar Fernadis, Minister Road Transport & National Highways at New Delhi.
Minister Sri Tarai appraised Sri Fernadis that Heavy Vehicle Driving Training Institute, Chhatia has been made operational and the Government of India had been requested to provide grant in the 11th Five Year Plan for establishing three more Heavy Motor Vehicle Driving Training Institutes proposed to be set up at Koraput, Berhampur and Sambalpur. Hon’ble Chief Minister has also written a letter to Government of India in this connection. But no grant has been provided so far. Sri Tarai expressed his deep concern in the matter and demanded for immediate release of funds.
To strengthen road safety activities in the State Sri Tarai requested to Sri Fernadis to provide 50 nos. of interceptors, 75nos. of additional cranes, 20 more Driving Testing simulators, Financial assistance for establishing two nos. of Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Centers and additional ambulances. He also emphasised on the provision of funds for NGOs to create awareness on National Road Safety. He further laid stress on setting up of Toll Plazas as per National Highways norms with the consent of both the State Works Department and the Transport Department. He requested for timely completion of ongoing National Highway Development Projects of the State. It is also requested that timely distribution of consolidated fee among the States collected towards National Permit should be maintained every month.
Sri Tarai has placed a proposal to set up Modern Trauma Care Centers, Public amenities such as rest shed, restaurant, toilet etc on the National Highways sides at strategic locations at regular intervals.