Urban transport development is a state subject. Hence, the initiatives for planning, management, funding, monitoring and implementation of urban transport system including steps to improve last mile connectivity, are taken by respective State Governments/Union Territories/Urban Local Bodies.However, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has taken several steps from time to time to promote and improve public transport systems through various Policy frameworks/advisories/Programmes/Schemes to identify principles and strategies for better planning and implementation of the concepts in the area of urban transport.

Recently,Central Government has launched Prime Minister-eBusSewa in August 2023 with an objective to increase modal share of public transport and reducing Green House Gas emission by introducing electric buses for city bus operation. 169 cities with population of 3 lakh and above (as per census 2011) are eligible under the scheme. This scheme aims to provide 10,000 e-Buses for city bus operation on Public Private Partnership (PPP) model including support for development of e-bus ecosystem which will also improve last mile connectivity.The estimated outlay of the scheme is Rs. 57,613 crore. Under this scheme, apart from introduction of e-buses, Central financial assistance will be given for construction/augmentation of Bus depot, development of behind the meter power infrastructure, Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS), etc.

The Metro Rail Policy, 2017envisages that every proposal for Metro Rail should necessarily include proposals for feeder systems to enlarge the catchment area of each metro station at least to 5 kilometers.Provision of last mile connectivity through pedestrian pathways, Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) infrastructure, induction of facilities for para transit modes is an essential requirement for availing any central financial assistance for Metro Rail Projects.

This information was given by the THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS SHRI KAUSHAL KISHORE, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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RKJ/M

(Release ID: 1982362)