NEW DELHI: A draft national urban transport policy, which promotes public transport over private vehicles and gives incentives for cities to plan for mass rapid transit systems (MRTS), was unveiled here on Wednesday at a conference of Chief Ministers. Presenting the main features of the draft policy, Urban Development Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said: "We will encourage each city with a population of over four million to plan for mass rapid transit system by adopting appropriate technologies.''

He said while there was a general consensus on the need to evolve a common urban transport policy keeping in mind the growing population, States would be free to adopt various modes of transport depending upon their geography and population. Possibilities envisaged included buses with dedicated corridors, elevated sky bus and monorail system, electric trolley buses and underground metro systems. He promised to extend 60 per cent Central assistance for preparing detailed project reports and further financial support in the form of equity participation and viability gap funding as soon as the projects are approved.

He said the proposed National Urban Renewal Mission, which sought to provide Rs. 50,000 crores to States over the next five years would help in promoting non-motorised modes of transport by way of construction of separate ways for bicycles and pedestrians, bypasses, container depots and truck parking terminals outside the city limits. Besides, he said the centre would encourage research, development and commercialisation of cleaner technologies such as compressed natural gas. Mr. Azad said even cities with population of 10 lakhs and above could be considered for some systems. He told reporters later that the conference was convened to hear the views of States and they had stressed the need for such a policy.

Mandatory parking space

The draft national policy also envisages mandatory parking space for all commercial and residential property, parking fees in tune with the cost of urban space occupied and preference in allocating parking space to public transport and non-motorised modes.

The Minister suggested that State Governments amend building by-laws in cities with population of above 10 lakhs so that adequate parking space shall be provided.

He felt multi-level parking should be made mandatory in city centres or other market complexes where there are high-rise buildings.

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