The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Efforts on to develop transport infrastructure, says Barnala

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Sunday, Jan 20, 2008
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Efforts on to develop transport infrastructure, says Barnala

Special Correspondent

Governor was speaking at 35th annual celebrations of CGTA

— Photo: R. Ragu

HONOUR: Governor Surjit Singh Barnala presenting lifetime achievement award to Chittaranjan Dass, Editor, SAARC Journal of Transport, and Anand Mirchandani, Chief Editor of Transtopics (second from right), at the Chennai Goods Transport Association annual celebration in Chennai on Saturday.

CHENNAI: The Centre and the State government are paying attention to improving and developing the transport infrastructure and related sectors, said Governor Surjit Singh Barnala here on Saturday.

Participating at the 35th annual celebrations of the Chennai Goods Transport Association (CGTA), he said the transport industry was one of the major sectors on which the wheels of the nation moved, especially road transport.

The volume of goods transport had increased substantially over the last few years due to growth in economy. The road goods transport industry played a pivotal role in the promotion of trade and commerce in the country and, therefore, the needs and requirements of the industry should be taken care of, Mr. Barnala said.

Efficient road networking, interlinking of different transport systems and improvement in transport technologies would help to improve efficiency and timings. These would bring a steep increase in road freight movement.

Shortage of truck drivers is a major issue, which is plaguing the transport sector, said K. M. Narasimhan, chairman, Festival Committee of CGTA.

The problem could be tackled effectively by the participation of major stake holders in the business such as commercial vehicle manufacturers, oil and lubricants, tyre and other component manufacturers besides Central and State governments.

The road infrastructure developments should be completed in time, unwanted checkposts removed, toll taxes and insurance laws regulated and complicated rules and regulations amended for ensuring smooth flow of goods traffic in the country, he said.

Mr Barnala presented Commendation awards to Indian Oil Corporation, Castrol India, Ashok Leyland and Shriram Transport Finance Company.

Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala also presented a lifetime achievement award to Chittaranjan Dass, Editor, SAARC Journal of Transport and Anand Mirchandani of Transtopics.

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