The latest issue had an article on road transportation infrastructure and brought out a couple of points that were not really discussed in class.
First, for a truck traveling large distances over a tolled national highway, it is likely that there would be 5-6 toll stations in between. Stopping at each of these stations could add an extra 30 mins - 1 hr for the trucks journey. Intelligent systems that could detect and simplify/automate this process of toll collection (by reading information off bar codes present in the truck or by being able to weigh/identify the vehicle) is an area that is currently the center of a lot of attention.
Second, one of the challenges faced by developers is that the Government takes an inordinately long time to process bid documents. Developers assets are often frozen for this period and they incur some financial loss. Streamlining the approval procedure is therefore something that is required in this context.
2 comments:
Referring to first point. The best practical solution for this is Govt floating an SPV. This SPV can be privatized. Some sort of smart card (swipe and move) system can be introduced if adopting bar code readers and all would be expensive. A majority of the people who are now employed as toll collectors can be absorbed into this company. This company can give credit for a month or so and have a tie up with banks (online transfer or any other means) to facilitate repayment of credit.
The Govt. has power to dictate saying all the toll collecting points to have these smart card readers. A small hike say Rs 2 will be enough for this company to run.
It would be of great benefit to users and Govt. if this sort of company comes soon.
Ending traffic woes in mumbai...
Talking of the automated toll system, i guess the officials heard us too...
They have given a nod for this automation process to cut down long Q's at the toll booth...
Here is an article posted on the web today, have a look at it...
http://www.rediff.com/money/2007/sep/04mumbai.htm
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