BUSINESS
Odisha in Transformation: Innovations in public transport raises hopes of a new dawn
Two initiatives – one focussed on urban connectivity and the other on rural areas – hold promise. The urban model reimburses the private operator – who owns, operates and maintains the bus – on a per-kilometre basis while government automatically tracks vehicle locations and appoints conductors who handle fare-setting and collection. This ensures the private operator doesn’t exit non-profitable routes
BUSINESS
Budget’s transport focus is commendable. Now ensure a smooth ride on roads and trains
Big ticket investments are actually happening and at a good pace. But with this focus on capex, the question remains whether continuing customer engagement, operations and maintenance are getting the attention they deserve
BUSINESS
Budget 2024 must focus on these six areas of transport infrastructure
Very important but not so glamorous aspects of transport infrastructure like road and rail safety, streamlining railway operations for faster average speeds, and passenger train cleanliness can serve as a “limit to growth” without adequate investments. Budgetary focus in these areas will help
BUSINESS
Mumbai Metro Aqua Line (3): Connecting the unconnected
As the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ line gears up for opening, there are challenges ahead
INDIA
India needs to view the maritime canvas holistically
As the focus moves from the Maritime Vision 2030 to the Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047, built on 11 strategic themes, the challenge is how to translate all this into reality
BUSINESS
Proposed Galathea Bay container transhipment port likely to struggle for traffic
Galathea Bay will have to compete very aggressively, being a pure transhipment port, without the benefit of originating/terminating traffic. However, the opportunity that it provides for India’s strategic security in the Bay of Bengal could be a key consideration.
INDIA
To improve chances of survival, focus on post-rail accident rescue efforts
The objective of the rescue efforts after the Odisha-like train accidents should be to improve the chances of survival by minimising fatalities and injuries. This can be done by having a trained force equipped to deal with such events and also through continous enforcement of a safety culture
BUSINESS
Revisit maritime policy to increase India’s shipping revenues, EXIM trade
While India followed a protectionist regime to promote Indian shipping, the reality was that it had a counter-productive influence by making the Indian shipping industry secure in a protected market with no innovation and growth towards global competitiveness
BUSINESS
Why selling CONCOR as a single entity will hurt the industry
The CONCOR disinvestment should involve breaking it into at least two, and provide opportunities for more than one player to acquire stake in the company
