New Delhi, Jun 23 (IANS): Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that the Central government has prioritised the development of indigenous, low carbon, sustainable and economically viable transportation system.

In his address at the launch of 'India Roadmap on Low Carbon and Sustainable Mobility (Decarbonisation of Indian Transport Sector)' report by Ficci, he said that the priority of the government is to develop such a pollution-free and cost-effective transportation system, which also provides comfort to the poor people of the country.

Gadkari also said the government will play the role of a facilitator and support the private sector in its initiatives for developing a sustainable transportation system.

He said that the industry should consider various aspects of sustainable transportation system which comprises of low carbon fuels, electric vehicles, water transportation, conversion of diesel vehicles to LNG and CNG, and use of ethanol, methanol and hydrogen fuels for vehicles.

Subsequently, industry should then reach out to state governments and ministries concerned and suggest changes in the policies for developing implementable and economically viable projects, he said.

Besides, Gadkari said that the industry should look at public private partnerships and adopt an integrated approach for developing new models of transportation.

He also pointed out the need to decongest metro cities and urged industry to create industrial clusters and smart cities.

He added that to decrease migration of rural population to urban areas, there is a need to concentrate on upliftment of agriculture sector, tribal and village population.