Disproportionate rise in vehicles vis-a-vis highways: Gadkari
New Delhi, Sep 7 : Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said there is a disproportionate increase in private vehicles vis-a-vis highway expansion and emphasised the need to develop a robust public transportation system.
The Minister for Road Transport and Highways was speaking at "MOVE: Global Mobility Summit" being held here.
According to the minister, there has been an over 10 times growth in the number of vehicles during the last 25 years and the number of two-wheelers has exploded.
The minister called for an efficient public transport system in the country, run on electricity or alternate fuels.
"This has necessitated re-inventing the public transport system in the country," Gadkari said.
In addition, Gadkari assured the automobile companies that the government is committed to develop alternative fuels -- anything that can substitute imports and is cost effective.
Besides, the minister emphasised the need to bring down the huge cost of petroleum imports.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Thunderstorm hits Lucknow, IMD issues red alert across multiple UP districts
Lucknow: Shortly after the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert warning of severe weather conditions in the region, a sudden thunderstorm hit Lucknow and adjoining districts on Monday morning.
The Indian Express reported that the skies turned dark around 8:45 am as strong winds lashed parts of the city. Incidents of tree falls were reported from several locations, disrupting traffic and normal movement.
The weather department said thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail and gusty winds of 40 to 60 kmph are likely to continue over the next three hours across several districts.
A red alert has been issued for districts including Unnao, Barabanki, Hardoi, Sitapur, Bahraich, Gonda, Shravasti and Lakhimpur Kheri, where moderate thunderstorms with hail and strong winds may damage trees, power lines and temporary structures.
An orange alert is in place for Rae Bareli, Amethi, Kanpur Nagar, Ayodhya, Kanpur Dehat, Auraiya, Kannauj, Farrukhabad, Shahjahanpur and Balrampur, where thunderstorms with lightning and winds up to 60 kmph could lead to localised disruptions.
Major parts of the state remains under yellow alert, including districts such as Prayagraj, Agra, Bareilly, Aligarh and Moradabad, where light rain, lightning and winds of 30 to 40 kmph are expected.
Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors, avoid open areas and trees during lightning, and secure loose objects.
