Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called for increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the state’s transport sector to enhance road safety and reduce accidents. Addressing a meeting at the Sahyadri Guest House, Fadnavis outlined his vision for modernizing the transport system and implementing stringent safety measures.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of leveraging AI, particularly following the Maharashtra government’s agreement with Google. The collaboration aims to bolster the security and sustainability of the transport sector. “AI can play a transformative role in reducing road mishaps and improving the overall efficiency of our transportation system,” Fadnavis stated.
Vehicle Scrapping Policy
Fadnavis reiterated the need to scrap vehicles older than 15 years to minimize environmental and safety risks. This policy applies to both public and private vehicles. Over 13,000 outdated government vehicles will be scrapped under this initiative. The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation’s aging buses will either be replaced or retrofitted with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) kits to improve their performance and environmental impact.
Road Safety in Ghat Regions
The CM stressed the formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safety of buses in accident-prone ghat regions. “We need specific protocols to address the unique challenges faced in these areas to prevent avoidable accidents,” he said.
Electric Vehicle Policy
Fadnavis also highlighted plans to release a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) policy within the next three years. This policy aims to accelerate EV adoption in Maharashtra, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Urban Mobility Enhancements
In a move to improve urban mobility, Fadnavis instructed the transport department to introduce bike taxi and maxi cab services. These additions aim to address last-mile connectivity issues in the state’s urban centers.
The meeting reviewed the transport department’s 100-day action plan and included discussions on enhancing the state’s ports and airport authorities. The Chief Minister’s directives are part of a broader effort to modernize Maharashtra’s transport infrastructure while prioritizing safety and sustainability.