3.8. Recommendations of Rakesh Mohan Committee (National Transport Development Policy Committee (NTDPC))

♤ Roads should not be looked at in isolation, but as part of an integrated multi-modal system of transport. The planning and development of the primary road network must tie up with planning of railways’ dedicated freight corridors and other segments of rail network, connectivity with ports, airports, SEZs, logistic hubs, major tourist centres and linkage with neighbouring countries.

♤ The current program of PMGSY should be expanded to achieve universal connectivity to all habitations on time bound basis.

♤ There is need for continuous upgradation of technology in the auto industry, especially the commercial vehicle sector, to meet the objectives of better comfort, productivity, energy efficiency, safety and emission standards in line with international practices and standards.

♤ Private sector financing in the highways will remain confined to commercially viable and high traffic density stretches. It will be prudent, therefore, to enhance the availability of public sector funding.

♤ The existing network of National Highways and State Highways may be expanded in tune with the economic growth and development of industrial hubs, SEZs, ports, tourist centers and connectivity to international routes – Asian Highways and the European Road Network.

♤ For capacity augmentation of state highways every state should formulate and implement programmes on the lines of NHDP.

♤ The accruals to the CRF may be enhanced by making levy of cess on fuel on ad valorem basis rather than the system of a fixed amount of Rs. 2 per litre (which was fixed in the year 2005). This may be enhanced to Rs. 4 per litre to enhance accruals to the CRF.

♤ There is a need for review of the current policy of user fees (tolls) on National Highways. A two-lane should be considered a minimum facility to be provided out of government budget in respect of primary roads (NHs and SHs) with no direct user charge. Toll should be

levied on multi-lane highways, both access controlled non-access controlled, as also spot improvement projects such as bridges, tunnels, flyovers, bypasses.

♤ Special needs of connectivity to ports, airports, mining areas and development of power plants should be factored in development of the road programmes.

♤ States should encourage citizen and user oversight through undertaking road user satisfaction surveys.

♤ A dedicated road design institute should be set up, which should function under the umbrella of MoRTH. Similar institutes should be set up in each state PWD and Rural Roads Agency.

♤ The MoRTH should entrust all National Highways and National Expressways to NHAI, and only planning, policy and budget functions should remain with the MoRTH.

♤ Establish Road Safety and Traffic Management Board as recommended by the Sundar Committee.