New Resting Facilities for Drivers Announced by PM Modi
NEW DELHI: On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a new initiative aimed at constructing 1,000 modern rest hubs for truck and taxi drivers along national highways, aligning with the government’s commitment to enhancing the ease of living.
During his address at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 in New Delhi, he emphasized the challenges long-distance drivers encounter. The first phase of the initiative will focus on creating 1,000 facilities equipped with food services, clean water, restroom facilities, parking areas, and opportunities for rest along all national highways.
“The government recognizes the concerns of truck drivers and their families,” he remarked. He noted that this project would significantly enhance both the quality of life and travel experience for truck and taxi drivers, ultimately promoting their health and reducing the likelihood of accidents.
According to a NITI Aayog report, trucks account for a substantial portion of India’s goods transport, fulfilling 70% of domestic freight needs. The report, ‘Transforming Trucking in India,’ published in September 2022, predicts the number of trucks will escalate from 4 million in 2022 to approximately 17 million by 2050. PM Modi pointed out that adequate rest is crucial for long-haul drivers to maintain alertness, as lack of sleep is a significant factor in road accidents.
At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024, PM Modi acknowledged the unifying platform it provided for the mobility and supply chain sectors. He reiterated the aspiration for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 and stressed the sector’s essential role in this vision. “India is advancing rapidly,” he stated, underscoring the potential it holds for the mobility industry.
The Prime Minister mentioned that the Indian economy is growing swiftly and is poised to become the third-largest globally during his government’s third term. He highlighted that approximately 250 million individuals have risen out of poverty in the last decade, creating a new customer base for various modes of transportation. As people transition out of poverty, their first transport needs often involve cycles, two-wheelers, or four-wheelers, showcasing the rise of a neo-middle class.
He added that the increasing middle-class income would bolster India’s mobility sector. “The interplay of economic growth and rising incomes will undoubtedly instill fresh confidence in the mobility industry,” he remarked. Additionally, he noted the rise in vehicle sales, with car sales jumping from 120 million to over 210 million since 2014, and electric vehicle sales jumping from 2,000 units annually a decade ago to 1.2 million units today. PM Modi also highlighted the National Electric Mobility Mission’s role in promoting Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing, with a government investment of ₹10,000 crore to boost EV demand. Moreover, he mentioned a budget allocation of ₹1 lakh crore aimed at promoting research and innovation, alongside an expansion of tax relief for startups, paving the way for new opportunities in the mobility sector.
