Mobility
Ropeways and Alternate Mobility Solutions to be under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways from now on
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will, from now on, also look after the development of Ropeways and Alternate Mobility Solutions. The move is expected to give a boost to the sector, by setting up a regulatory regime, and facilitating research and new technology to come into this sector. An amendment to the Government of India Rules, 1961 has been notified, to enable this step. This means that the Ministry will have responsibility for development of ropeway and alternative mobility solutions technology, as well as construction, research, and policy in this area. Formulation of institutional, financial, and regulatory framework for the technology will also fall under the ambit of this move.
Government of India and Fime move closer to national mobility scheme roll-out
Fime has collaborated with the Government of India to develop and launch the testing infrastructure for India’s National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). Part of the national Make in India program, the ambitious initiative will deliver ‘One nation, one mobility card’ to bring unity, efficiency and smoother end-to-end travel experiences to India. Fime has become the first transit testing lab in India. Its technical consultancy, next-gen test tool and testing services are now helping local vendors, transit operators and banks to define, design, deliver and test automated fare collection (AFC) systems with confidence.
Vehicle manufacturers to build indigenous vehicles for using flexible fuel alternatives
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways & MSME has urged car manufacturers give priority to the indigenous production of flex engines, which can be used in vehicles using alternative fuels such as ethanol. Meeting a delegation of carmakers from the Society of India Automobile Manufacturers, the Minister said that, with ethanol beginning to be easily available in the country, and more than 70% of gasoline consumption being done by two-wheelers, there is a need to develop indigenous technology for flex fuel vehicles.
Indian auto industry seeks government support for localisation of electronic components
Auto industry body SIAM sought government support for localisation of electronic components, specially semiconductors, which is currently facing a global shortage, stating it would need huge investments. The shortage of semiconductors globally due to a spike in demand from the consumer electronics industry during the COVID-19 lockdowns has impacted automobile manufacturers in India as well. Semiconductors have become a crucial part in modern cars with increased electronic components and connectivity features.
Report on “Mobilising Finance for EVs in India”: A Toolkit of Solutions to Mitigate Risks and Address Market Barriers”
India’s transition to EVs has advanced rapidly in the past few years. A supportive policy environment, improving economics, and emerging business models have poised the EV market for significant growth in the coming decade. Key barriers related to EV adoption—including technology cost, infrastructure availability, and consumer behavior—must be overcome.
NITI Aayog and Rocky Mountain Institute has come out with a report titled “Mobilising Finance for EVs in India”: A Toolkit of Solutions to Mitigate Risks and Address Market Barriers” which identified solutions to direct capital and financing to aid in India’s EV transition.
Call for R&D and shift towards alternate battery technologies for EVs
With electric vehicles fast becoming the new reality, Union Minister for MSME and Road Transport & Highways has stressed the need to emerge as pioneers in developing leading battery and power-train technologies. Noting that the challenge we presently face is the control on strategic reserves of Lithium, which is used to manufacture Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries used in vehicles, the Minister has called upon the EV sector to shift towards a completely indigenous battery technology in the coming years. This could be metal-air, metal-ion and other potential technologies in the R&D pipeline.
Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways issued following notifications:
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G.S.R. 148(E): Mandating dual airbags for all passenger cars in India. Read more/Download
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G.S.R. 136(E): regarding Notification for electronic Monitoring and Enforcement of Road Safety. Public comments are invited until 25th March Read more/Download
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S.O 1433(E) regarding Implementations of sections of MV Act 2019. Read more
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G.S.R 220(E) regarding Concession in Motor Vehicle Taxes against submission of Certificate of Vehicle Scrapping. Read more
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G.S.R 190(E) regarding Motor Vehicles (Registration and Functions of Vehicle Scrapping Facility) Rules, 2021. Read more
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G.S.R 173(E) regarding Construction, Equipment and Maintenance of Motor Vehicles. Read more
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S.O 1232(E) regarding Vehicle Recall formula.
Railway Ministry issued following notifications:
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Implementation of Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order, 2017 - Notification of RE items under para-3(a) of PPP-MII Order. Read more
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Pre-qualification criteria for Elevator/Lifts. Read more
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Misclassification of Goods as Works in procurement. Read more
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New safety norms for vehicle manufacturers under discussion: Official Read more
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Government of India and FIME move closer to national mobility scheme roll-out. Read more