Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called for a major overhaul of the state’s transport sector, using innovative technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and enforcing stricter vehicle regulations. The state government has signed a significant agreement with Google to bolster its efforts in transforming road safety and enhancing the sustainability of the transport infrastructure. At the heart of this initiative is the drive to minimise road accidents and reduce emissions through smarter, tech-driven solutions.
During a recent review meeting at the Sahyadri Guest House, CM Fadnavis outlined a comprehensive 100-day action plan for the transport, ports, and state airport authority departments. One of the key directives was to ramp up the use of AI within the transport sector. The Chief Minister emphasised that AI could play a pivotal role in preventing accidents and improving overall road safety. AI applications, ranging from predictive maintenance of vehicles to traffic monitoring, could drastically reduce accident rates, particularly in high-risk areas.
The government has also taken a firm stand on vehicle age and emissions. CM Fadnavis instructed the transport department to enforce a policy for scrapping all vehicles older than 15 years, including both public and private vehicles. The move is expected to reduce pollution and prevent accidents caused by outdated, poorly maintained vehicles. In total, more than 13,000 outdated government vehicles are set to be scrapped, while state-run buses over 15 years old will either be replaced or retrofitted with more eco-friendly LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) kits. This effort is part of Maharashtra’s broader commitment to cleaner, greener transport solutions. The state’s electric vehicle (EV) policy is also gaining momentum, with a release expected within the next three years. This policy is expected to significantly contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the state’s transport network and provide a sustainable alternative to conventional fuel-based vehicles.
Another significant reform being introduced is the addition of bike taxis and maxi cabs to the state’s urban mobility framework. The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of enhancing urban mobility, particularly in metropolitan areas where traffic congestion is a persistent issue. These services will offer more flexible, affordable, and convenient transport options for citizens, especially in densely populated areas. Public safety, particularly in accident-prone regions like the ghat areas, is another priority for the Maharashtra government. CM Fadnavis stressed the importance of developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for buses to ensure better safety measures in these high-risk zones. The government aims to ensure that buses are better equipped to handle challenging terrains and adverse conditions.
From the public’s point of view, these initiatives are a much-needed step towards improving road safety and reducing pollution. The widespread concern about the rising number of road accidents, particularly involving outdated vehicles, has led to positive reactions from citizens, who view the scrapping of older vehicles as a necessary and responsible move. The idea of AI-driven safety measures also garners support, with many hopeful that such technology will lead to safer roads.
However, there is some scepticism around the practical implementation of these changes, especially with the ambitious timeline for the 100-day action plan. Some members of the public are cautious about the state’s ability to swiftly execute such a large-scale overhaul, particularly with the integration of AI and the introduction of new transport services like bike taxis. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment is one of optimism. Many believe that these reforms, if successfully implemented, will improve the quality of life for commuters, reduce pollution, and make Maharashtra a model for modern, safe, and sustainable transport in India. The combination of technology and stricter regulations could prove to be a game-changer for Maharashtra’s transport landscape, offering safer, greener, and more efficient options for its citizens.