Trial on for toll payment using mobiles

November 22, 2013

OUR BUREAU |

BANGALORE |

Electronic tolling trial through use of mobile phones is currently on in major highways, said Oscar Fernandes, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways.Speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) – EXCON 2013, he said “the trial is on to use the latest technology which establishes contacts with the toll booth almost a kilometre away for the toll gate to open.”When implemented, this will help overcome major pile-up of traffic at toll gates.“The government is also aware that the infrastructure projects often suffer from lack of funding or subject to many conditions by the lenders before funding. So, the government has directed the lenders to take ‘assets’ into account for funding projects. We are also stressing on development of maintenance-free roads which initially may cost a little more but in the long run, is much more economical,” he added.

In his address, Karnataka Minister for Transport, Ramalinga Reddy, said “Karnataka has a close association with CII to promote the industries of the state. We have enormous plan for the growth of the state across all districts.”

Reddy mentioned that one such initiative is the Bangalore-Mumbai Economic Corridor.

S. Gopalakrishnan, CII President, said that EXCON this year has attained new heights with 17 per cent growth in number of participants.

He pointed out that the pace of growth in infrastructure in India has not kept pace with demands and it is a major challenge for the country. Highways, modern bridges, world-class airports, reliable power, and clean water are in desperately short supply.

Vipin Sondhi, Chairman, EXCON 2013, said “The scope and reach of EXCON has been growing over the years and today we see the greatest number of industry and visitor participation, making it the biggest ever exhibition not just in India but also in South Asia.”

Sumit Mazumder, CII Vice-President, said that in India, construction is the second largest economic activity after agriculture. Construction accounts for nearly 65 per cent of the total investment in infrastructure and is expected to be the biggest beneficiary of the surge in infrastructure investment over the next five years.

(This article was published on November 21, 2013)

Source-http://www.thehindubusinessline.com

Written by ITW Editor · Filed Under Mobile -Cell Phones, Toll Payments