The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has constituted a special committee, comprising of Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Nadeem ul Haque (Convenor) and secretaries Ministries of Communications, Commerce and Industries, to formulate Transport and Trucking Policies within two weeks, Profit learnt on Monday.
Prohibiting overloading
The ECC, in its meeting held on Tuesday, was informed that the country had to lose some Rs10 to Rs15 billion per annum on account of road maintenance due to trucks overloading. It was indicated that the country could easily save this amount by prohibiting overloading to single-axel trucks. During the ensuing discussion, it was pointed out that there was no check on the truck load, which was a major cause of deterioration of road networks. It was stated that there was a dire need to install weighing bridges on all important entry points of major roads and any truck carrying excess load should be fined heavily.
Transport policy prepared
The ECC was informed that transport policy had already been prepared and ready for submission to the ECC. It was also stated that, besides transport policy, there was also a need for proper trucking policy and for giving a long-term roadmap to the transporters. The ECC was also apprised that a trucking policy was framed in 2008 and its recommendations were deliberated upon. There were some good proposals in that policy and the same may also be considered before formulation of transport policy. It was informed that the ECC, in its meeting held on April 26th, 2011, on a summary submitted by the Ministry of Commerce constituted a Committee under the chairmanship of Planning Commission Deputy Chairman to review the issues pertaining to transport policy. The committee in a meeting held on May 6th, 2011, recommended that there was a need to treat CNG cars and buses separately.
Dedicated CNG buses
It recommended that there was a need to sharply increase tariff on CNG kits for cars, whereas dedicated CNG buses for public transport might be considered as the Advisor to Prime Minister on Petroleum & Natural Resources was of the view that CNG could be provided through dedicated CNG stations.
Comprehensive policy
It was further disclosed that if dedicated CNG buses were allowed an already approved public transport project, sponsored by Ministry of Environment, could become operational. It was revealed that certain dedicated CNG buses imported by some private investors lying at Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and waiting for clearance of Customs due to settlement of original equipment manufacturing (OEM) issue could also be allowed for public transport in case CNG was available. It was indicated that a draft comprehensive transport policy had been prepared by the Ministry of Communications, which would be considered under NTC taskforce headed by Planning Commission Deputy Chairman. Some members suggested that the concept of transport policy may be broadened subject to the consideration of the NTC taskforce for Transport Sector Reforms.
