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New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) The Supreme Court has lauded India’s remarkable progress in road transport infrastructure and said the country has brought about a “significant transformation” in its travel and transportation landscape.
A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih, while delivering the verdict in a batch of appeals related to inter-state transport permits between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, lauded the “quantum leap” in India’s road infrastructure.
“Leaving behind humble beginnings, the focus on infrastructure development has witnessed a quantum leap. India, in this century, has developed a complex network of highways providing access from remote villages to nearby cities and towns, thereby establishing ‘last-mile connectivity’,” a bench headed by Justice Datta said.
The top court said the expressway has enabled faster movement of people and goods between far-flung places, cut down travel time and spurred economic growth.
“These highways and expressways are transforming India’s transportation landscape and driving economic growth,” it said.
The decision, while resolving disputes over inter-state reciprocal transport permits under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, devoted an entire section to recognizing India’s extensive progress in public transport modernisation.
The bench remarked, “What deserves special attention is that the surface of these highways and expressways is smoother than ever before. With the introduction of modern vehicles, operators of stage carriage services are providing comfort and convenience which is at par with the services available in foreign countries.”
It also highlighted how technological integration has revolutionized public transport operations, praising State Road Transport Corporations (SRTCs) for embracing digitalisation and sustainability.
Referring to the adoption of e-ticketing, mobile tracking apps and electric buses, the top court said, “Digitalisation has been a game-changer. To adapt to the changing transport landscape, leveraging technology to improve services and customer experience is a priority for these corporations.”
It added, “With continued innovation and investment, the road transport sector is progressing to achieve greater efficiency, sustainability and accessibility.”
The Supreme Court asked the principal secretaries of the transport departments of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to meet within three months to “work out the modalities” of the mutual transport agreement and ensure that “public interest is not harmed”.
–IANS
PDS/VD