India approves MoU with TfL to improve public transport

India’s Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the signing and implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and Transport for London.

India and the United Kingdom discussed the signing of the MoU in November 2017, drafting a document that sought to facilitate cooperation in the transport sector and enable the sharing of expertise and latest technology, to promote efficient mobility solutions.

The agreement follows Nitin Gadkari’s, the Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, last visit to London when he met Chris Grayling, the UK’s Secretary of State for Transport. They finalised a mutual cooperation between Transport for London and Indian Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to cover a wide range of mobility solutions.

It is also expected to cause policy reforms that would transform the transport sector through improved customer service, data analysis and better use of IT systems.

The MoU will help to improve the overall public transport system in the country and passenger services, whilst promoting the use of high capacity buses in India. Promoting digital transactions and induction of high capacity diesel/electric vehicles in India will benefit the communities, local businesses and environment.

Additionally, the MoU will help in strengthening the integrated public transport for all, enabling accessibility for quality public transport to be available to people on a lower wage too. Nitin Gadkari is also urging Indian business leaders in UK to cooperate in the government’s Namami Gange project.