Amid lockdown, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari hints at resumption of public transport

On Wednesday, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that Centre was likely to allow resumption of public transport soon. He was addressing members of Bus and Cars Operators Confederation of India through video conference. Since commencement of nationwide lockdown, public transport has been suspended across country. According to Gadkari, Union government is in process of formulating guidelines pertaining to social distancing measures to check spread of vel coronavirus.

While ackwledging that this move would instill confidence among people, he stressed significance of adopting safety measures such as hand wash, face masks, etc. 

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Gadkari hints at adopting London model of public transport

During this interaction, Gadkari observed that Centre was fully aware of problems faced by passenger transport industry and would support m to mitigate ir issues. Maintaining that COVID-19 crisis had provided India an ecomic opportunity, he urged industry to invite foreign companies to invest with m in country. Moreover, he revealed that his Ministry was considering adopting London model of public transport where government investment is minimal while private investment is promoted. On this occasion, members of confederation made numerous suggestions such as restarting public transport, extending interest payment exemption, deferring state taxes, extending insurance policy validity, etc. 

Read: Delhi Government Issues Guidelines For Handling Of Passengers Under Vande Bharat Mission

COVID-19 crisis

Currently, re are 49,391 confirmed vel coronavirus cases out of which 14,183 patients have recovered while 1694 casualties have been reported. Earlier in day, Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan held a meeting today with Gujarat Health Minister Nitin Patel and Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope to review situation, actions, and preparedness for manment of COVID-19 in both states. As per Ministry of Health, 1457 patients recovered in last 24 hours, propelling India's COVID-19 recovery rate to 28.72%. Since Tuesday, 2958 fresh vel coronavirus cases have been reported in country. 

Read: Coronavirus Live Updates: Total Cases Soar To 49391; 125 Deaths Reported In Last 24 Hours

Read: Finance Ministry Extends Annual Filing Of GST Till September 30 Amid Coronavirus Lockdown

(With PTI inputs)