Transport

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, an apex organisation under the Central Government, is entrusted with the task of formulating and administering, in consultation with other Central Ministries/Departments, State Governments/UT Administrations, organisations and individuals, policies for Road Transport, National Highways and Transport Research with a view to increasing the mobility and efficiency of the road transport system in the country. The issues relating to National Highways in the country are dealt with by Roads Wing of the Ministry while those pertaining to transport are dealt with by the Transport Wing.

In the National Highways Sector, the Ministry is primarily responsible for planning, development and maintenance of National Highways in the country. It also extends technical and financial support to State Governments for the development of state roads and the roads of inter-state connectivity and economic importance. The Ministry evolves standard specifications for roads and bridges in the country. Above all, it serves as a repository of technical knowledge on roads and bridges.

In the Road Transport Sector, the Ministry is responsible for Motor Vehicle legislation, administration of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and taxation of motor vehicles, compulsory insurance of motor vehicles, administration of the Road Transport Corporations Act, 1950, and promotion of Transport co-operatives in the field of motor transport. The Ministry also evolves road safety standards in the form of a National Policy on Road Safety and by preparing and implementing the Annual Road Safety Plan. It collects, compiles and analyses road accident statistics and takes steps for developing a Road Safety Culture in the country by involving the members of public and organising various awareness campaigns. To this end, it provides grants-in-aid to Non-Governmental Organisations in accordance with the fixed guidelines.