Smart cards are convenient and efficient means of payment for commuters: Manoj Joshi
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, 30 October, 2023: The 16th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Exhibition 2023, the premier event dedicated to the advancement of sustainable urban mobility solutions, concluded on a high note with its valedictory session. Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd, were among the dignitaries present at the event.
While speaking at the valedictory session, Secretary MoHUA, Manoj Joshi, reflected on the key themes, discussions and exchange of ideas that took place throughout the event. He stressed upon the need of Transit Orientation Development (TOD) and challenges around it.
During the session, Joshi underlined the importance of smart cards as a convenient and efficient means of payment for commuters. He said that the government is working on adoption of National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) which has potential to enhance the interoperability of various modes of urban transport.
Highlighting the importance of effective fare collection system, Secretary Manoj Joshi said that the good fare collection is paramount for a viable transport system. He also talked about harnessing the potential of real estate around roads for better financial viability of these projects.
The financing and viability of urban transport projects were explored in depth. Joshi stressed the need for innovative funding mechanisms and public-private partnerships to meet the growing demands of urban transportation infrastructure.
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) was another significant topic. Manoj Joshi highlighted the importance of EV adoption to reduce emissions and encouraged urban areas to invest in EV infrastructure.
In the valedictory session, awards were presented to the winning state / city authorities for “Excellence/ best practice projects in Urban Transport” in the following categories recommended by the Awards Selection Committee and accepted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs:
i. City with the Best Public Transport System;
ii. City with the Best Non-Motorized Transport System;
iii. City with the Most Innovative Financing Mechanism;
iv. City with Best Record of Public Involvement in its Transport Planning;
v. City with the Best Green Transport Initiative;
vi. Metro Rail with the Best Multimodal Integration;
vii. Metro Rail with the Best Passenger Services and Satisfaction; and
viii. Running trophy for the State / UT, which has Implemented Best Urban Transport
The event was organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs through the Institute of Urban Transport (India) and with the support of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. from 27th – 29th October, 2023 at the Manekshaw Centre, Parade Road, Delhi Cantt., New Delhi. It brought together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss and collaborate on the future of urban transportation.
The exhibition, comprising of display of best practices in urban transport in India and aboard, latest urban transport technologies, services and in other related fields, is an important part of the UMI Conference organized every year. 2023 UMI exhibition was inaugurated by Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs and Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and continued on all the 3 days of the conference. Around 22 exhibitors from Metro Rail Companies, public and private sectors participated.
