The Hindu Business Line : ‘Mass rapid transport, the need of the hour’

Kolkata, Dec. 27 Even as Auto Expo 2008 is expected to feature many firsts in the global auto industry in terms of green & future technologies, concept vehicles, new launches and focus pavilions, it is widely felt that the solution to the problem of traffic congestion in major cities lies in mass rapid transport systems.

Addressing a news conference here today, Mr Rajive Kaul, Chairman, National Committee on Trade Fairs, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), said the passenger car market in India was currently pegged at around 1.5 million cars annually. This was estimated to go up to 3-4 million by 2016.

He said that, at present, Maruti accounts for about 50 per cent of the domestic passenger car market while Tata Motors and Hyundai account for 16-17 per cent each.

Organised by CII, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India, the 9th Auto Expo 2008 is poised to be among the biggest platforms in the Asian auto markets.

It will be the largest in Asia in terms of space, covering over 120,000 sq. metres.

Besides participation from 25 nations, Auto Expo 2008 will witness the largest-ever overseas participation with country pavilions from Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy Japan, Malaysia, Spain, Taiwan, UK and the US.

The eight-day event is expected to see the launch of 30 new vehicle models, including the Rs 1-lakh car from Tata Motors.

Asked whether roads in India, especially in the larger cities, were equipped to accommodate more and more vehicles, Mr Kaul said a planned solution to the problem of congestion on the roads must lie in mass rapid traffic systems.

Besides, the need of the hour was to manufacture smaller cars that can carry passengers in adequate numbers.

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‘Mass rapid transport, the need of the hour’