04/10/23

Bihar Intelligent Transport and Habitat Authority

A Catalyst to Accelerate Inclusive Growth, Uplift Quality of Life and Create Employment

Presentation to Govt. of Bihar

Proposal to set up

Chandra VikashPGDM, IIM Calcutta

B.Tech, IIT Kharagpur

IndexPart I : Background, Vision and Mission

Part II : The Context

Part III : References to Core Invention, Related Papers, National & International

Experiences and Social Sector Experience in Inclusive Growth

Part IV: PPP model – Structure & Financing Options & Conclusion

Background, Vision and Mission

Part I

BackgroundThe idea of Bihar Intelligent Transport and Habitat Authority (BITHA) comes from a convergence of two independent searches:

The search for an appropriate, high quality transportation system for Bihar that meets its present and future needs. (As detailed in Section II – The Context)

The search for an appropriate location to launch an Indian transport- land use system invention.(References to the invention and related papers in the Section III – References..)

BITHA

The Vision A world-class, appropriate and affordable,

multimodal transport grid system in Bihar for residents, tourists and goods.

*ICT : Information & Communication Technologies.

a. Light Vehicle manufacturing – Electric Rickshaw (Pedelec); Vehicle upgrading, repair, reconditioning and recycling; In-vehicle Electronics, Road & Allied Infrastructure

b. IT & IT-enabled Services – GIS, Transport System Management Software Development; Transportation-Economic Data Analytics; Traveler Information & Reservation Call Center.

c. Photovoltaics & Renewable Energy; Batteries, Fuel Cellsd. State-of-Art Transport Service, Spur better tele-

communication network in the state

Bihar as a national and global hub for an ICT*-enabled Intelligent Transport Eco-system such as:

The Mission

To progressively make Bihar one of the best states in India in next 5 years and one of the best regions in the world in next 8 years

To develop Bihar as a sustainable, low carbon economy as a role model for climate change mitigation.

The ContextPart II

ICOR by Broad Sector (1999-2004)

In the Eleventh Plan for Bihar the ICOR (Incremental Capital Output Ratio) is assumed to be higher than the ICOR for 1999-2004, at 3.0 as the state will be incurring vastly higher capital expenditures on developing infrastructure projects in roads, bridges, power, irrigation and flood control.

>10*

* BITHA target for rest of 11th and for 12th 5-year Plan

Role of Transport in Urban Areas

“Rise in traffic jams in Patna that has virtually taken the form of an epidemic.”

While in other urban centers, growth has been hampered due to lack of adequate road infrastructure and transport options.

This has led to significant emigration of students and working population out of Bihar, leading to a vicious cycle affecting economic development of the state.

- Bihar DGP Anand Shankar3 December, 2009, Patna Daily

Traffic snarls, not crime, worry traders now.

- Times of India, 6 December 2009

Role of Transportation in Farming

• The state has a genuine comparative advantage in some crops at the farm level, but loses this advantage at the wholesale level, for a number of reasons, including wastage, transportation costs, and lack of marketing outlets.

• A recent study shows that the quality and quantity of marketing outlets in Bihar is among the worst in the country.

• Furthermore, a World Bank analysis of some commodity supply chains has shown that up to 40 percent of the margins along the value chains are lost to wastage and transportation costs.

Source: 11th Plan Approach Paper

Role of Transportation in Tourism

• Mobility and accessibility are a key element of the tourist experience

• Based on a panel data set of bilateral tourism flows among 28 countries over the decade 1990–2000, researchers find that, on top of tourism infrastructure and other classical determinants, transport infrastructure is a significant determinant of tourism inflows into a destination.

• Disaggregated continent-wise analysis reveals that the sensitiveness of tourism flows to transport infrastructure does vary, depending on origins and destinations.

• They also find evidence of repeated tourism around the world, the more so from high-income origins and to high-income destinations.

Source: The role of transport infrastructure in international tourism development: A gravity model approach by Jameel Khadarooa, 1 and Boopen Seetanah

Role of Transportation in Animal Husbandry and Fishery

• Establishing a veterinary public health service to regulate and monitor the production, processing, storage, transport, marketing and quality control of animal protein and animal feed.

• The goal for fisheries development during the Eleventh Plan is for the state to expand production and increase productivity to national levels through the development of ponds and adoption of technically sound pisciculture practices.

• In addition, the establishment of hygienic storage conditions, rapid transportation systems and an efficient marketing network for fish will also help to increase socio-economic security in fishing communities.

Source: 11th Plan Approach Paper

Role of Transportation in Manufacturing

• Poor social and industrial infrastructure has been a major constraint to the growth and employment-generation capacity of manufacturing.

• The state has poor roads, communication facilities and power supply, and no dry port facilities or air cargo complexes.

• The lack of a functional road network has led to high transportation costs which have severely eroded the competitiveness of the units in the state.

• Teledensity is relatively low in Bihar at 2.09 per 100

persons against the national average of 7 per 100 persons.

Source: 11th Plan Approach Paper

Role of Transportation in Agro-Forestry

• Forest regulations will be rationalised to allow industry to partner farmers in undertaking agro-forestry for augmenting the raw material base for forest based industries like paper & pulp and veneer & plywood.

• This is to be done by a policy initiative of excluding certain species like Popular, Eucalyptus, Semal, Kadambh, Gamhar, etc., from being raised in forests and allowing tree felling, transport and marketing of these species from private holdings.

Source: 11th Plan Approach Paper

References to Transport System Invention, Related Papers, National & International Experiences

Part III

References I – Invention description and related papers

1. Description of Invention from Patent filing - WO/2006/011158) for A METHOD AND SYSTEM OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION (See Slide – Abstract : A Method.., Biblio. Data, Description and Claims here, since file withdrawn and core concepts presented at national and international conferences as open source for greater social good)

2. Intelligent Transport System World Congress, Stockholm 2009 Paper: ‘Public roads as service markets: Paving the way for civilization 2.0’ (See Slide – Abstract : Public Roads.., Details here , Full Paper here (amongst 4 papers selected from India out of ~200 from all countries and only Indian paper from working professional, final list here)

3. Ministry of Urban Development, Urban Mobility Conference, 2007 paper on MetroLITE – Appropriate Mass Rapid Transit System for India, Speaker along with noted BRTS expert Prof. Klaus Banse, who keenly appreciated the MetroLITE approach, as demand-responsive and appropriate for Indian cities

4. ITS World Congress, Nagoya, Japan 2004 Paper: ‘MobiltyXS: A Road Ahead for Urban Transport (See Slide – Abstract : MobilityXS.., Details here). Also presented at CII Conference on Telematics in Transportation, Chennai 2005

5. Map India Conference, New Delhi 2002 Paper: Variegated System of Mass Rapid Transit: An innovation that changes the “Familiar World” of Urban Transport (Full Paper here)

References II – International Experience

• Worked as Adviser on Global Innovation Program for Mobility solutions for Logica, a European IT Company e.g. innovations for a Denmark-Sweden Railroad operation, 2009

• Invited by a US-based policy think-tank Arthur Morgan Institute of Community Solutions for a 5-day workshop in Yellow Springs, Ohio, USA in June-July 2009 to present the transport-land use system invention and for a dialogue with various stakeholders – local government officials at the Metropolitan Planning Authority, and Federal Deptt. of Transportation, elected officials of Yellow Springs town council, academics and resident groups and developed proposal for Pilot Program in Ohio (Report on proceedings available offline);

• Worked as Business Mentor for Developer’s Program for Sony-Ericsson, a mobile phone manufacturer with focus on location-based services, 2008

• Invited by Singapore-based ITS company for presentation to Land Transport Authority, Singapore, 2005

• Worked as Business Leader – Intelligent Transport Systems for Tata Consultancy Services from 2004-2006

• Worked as Practice Leader – Intelligent Transport Systems for Mastek, a global IT company in 2003. In this stint, I developed a modification in design on the London Congestion Charging scheme for its adaptation to other cities in UK and US, which was widely appreciated and supported by UK companies for partnership.

References III – India Experience

• Transport-Land Use System invention proposal invited for mobility plans Bangalore, Bhopal and for Trivandrum over past 2 years and earlier for Delhi, but have not yet succeeded due to lack of flexibility in JNNURM guidelines to design appropriate transport system for these cities and further due to lack of political will in case of Bangalore and Trivandrum and extraneous interferences in case of Delhi and Bhopal.

•Electric vehicles for last-mile connectivity on initiatives in Bangalore, while working as

Adviser to Chairman – Reva Electric Car Company, Bangalore, 2007-08 and CEO – TEN Systems (Reference Times of India article here)

• Talk on “London Congestion Charging Scheme - Transport Management Lessons” organised by Institution of Engineers, Bangalore, 2006 ( Reference article here)

• Launch of Pilot Project in Palam Vihar in Gurgaon, Haryana with support from Union Urban Development Ministry (Reference article “Walk or Pedal, like Europeans” in Hindustan Times, 2006, available offline)

• Contribution to the National Urban Transport Policy, 2005 of ITS technologies to Sh. Shaleen Kabra as Director – Urban Transport and review of draft paper submitted to Sh. OP Agarwal as Joint Secretary – MRTS at Union Urban Development Ministry

References IV: Social Sector Experience

• Study on Inclusive Growth programs in Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, 2008, working with Erehwon Innovation Consulting, Bangalore (Presentation report available offline)

– Kerala – Kudumbashree Poverty Alleviation Scheme, Ref: Sh. TK Jose, Secretary – Local Self-Governance, Govt. of Kerala

– Tamilnadu – Trichy Community Policing Initiative, Ref: Sh. JK Tripathy, IG Police, Govt. of Tamilnadu

– Andhra Pradesh – Employment Generation & Marketing Mission, Ref: Smt. Meera Shenoy, Executive Director, Govt. of AP

– Karnataka – Moksha-Yug Access, NGO working on innovative supply chain-based approach to microfinance and health insurance in North Karnataka, Ref: Sh. Harsha Moily, CEO

• Study of organic farming practices in Yellow Springs, Ohio and share lessons for Bangalore, 2009

• Dialogue with Arthur Morgan Institute of Community Solutions experience on Organic Farming in Cuba on which they produced a powerful documentary called – Power of Community),2009

Abstract - A Method and System of Intelligent Transportation

A Method and System of Intelligent Transportation providing faster, safer, cleaner, better returns on travel expenditure, comfortable and convenient means of transportation; and offering “price-levels and choice of service” bundles based fast and frequent feedback of user demand. It combines with unique features such as choice to drive or to ride or to drive / ride alone or with desired / favored group of co-travelers with each choice coupled with incentives and rewards. They can suggest their preferred models of vehicles, and their expected travel time etc. that is accommodated within the service level agreements for the subscription level. The system is enabled with navigation assistance, novel approach to incident management, efficient and economical fuelling and vehicle repair and maintenance system, vehicles driven by proficient drivers, traffic management approach to match traffic volume to carriage capacity of road network, etc. The System involves classification of road network for different types and means of commuting, and classification and design of vehicles for effective and efficient operation in the system.

Abstract: Public Roads as Service Markets: Paving the way for Civilization 2.0

We can devise public roads as service markets - such as for phone, electricity, airlines, or restaurant– to provide advance booking and reservation for travel at assured speeds on selected time and routes; value plans suited to our road usage levels and access privileges; travel advisory to optimize time, cost, comfort and convenience; emergency services and multiple payment options etc. Innovative use of technologies in Intelligent Transport Systems can enable these public road services. The real challenge is to detach public roads system from general tax collection and other fixed duties and charges. Simplistic and piecemeal road user “charging” schemes fail to tie the ends and have been rightly rejected in various referendums. With their multiplying effect through the transport-land use system on our time, health and our disposition and on efficiencies in goods movement, a well-evolved public road services market creates “net savings” for road users along with indirect social and ecological benefits.

Abstract- MobilityXS: A Road ahead for Urban Transport

Urban Transport is at crossroads. Users do not get the level and quality of service that they pay for by direct or indirect means in a fair and equitable way. One road leads to MobilityXS. This is based on a pathbreaking review of our usage and attitude, environmental constraints and a comprehensive study of enabling technologies. It metamorphoses the public-private transport categories. In turn, users have a wider choice of the travel experience that they co-create and customize to personal preferences. They avail of vastly superior travel experience at a given price point in this model than at present. In a wholesome approach to our needs of a livable society, users can choose to walk or cycle comfortable distances in a friendly environment that is sequestrated of motorized traffic. Fast moving motor vehicles run uninterrupted of slow moving traffic and move much faster than at present with a combination of innovative traffic control measures and in-vehicle navigation sensors in the new system.

Public-Private Partnership Model - Structure & Financing Options

Part IV

Strengthen the PPP Model

• Bihar has been framing policy to encourage PPPs, and has identified some areas where such partnerships will be effective.

• Several ULBs* have already formed PPPs especially in solid waste management, urban transport, street lighting, etc. A broad agreement has been reached for infrastructure development in the PPP model along with IDFC, which is under consideration by the Government.

• However, PPP might have succeeded in respect of a few highway projects so far, and it was yet to make any dent into other infrastructure projects.

• A recent assessment suggests that PPP needed a re-look as many of the bureaucrats responsible for the implementation of scheme themselves were not clear how to go about it.

• There is a need for an effective regulatory mechanism for the proper implementation of the scheme.

* Urban Legislative Bodies

“Special State” status for Bihar - I• The root cause for Bihar’s decline from economic

prosperity has been the glaring underinvestment in the state through lower plan allocation, grants, central subsidies and a negative feedback cycle of investments, according to two pathbreaking studies.*

• Even in the 11th 5-year plan, Bihar has the lowest per capita development spend . Against the national average of Rs 3,049 as per capita development expenditure, Bihar spent just Rs 1,446 during 2005-06.

• Similarly, in 2006-07 and 2007-08, against the national average of Rs 3,826 and Rs 4,208, Bihar spent Rs 2,123 and Rs 2,184 respectively. 

*1. The Economic Strangulation of Bihar By Mohan Guruswamy and Abhishek Kaul 2. Centrally Planned Inequality- The Tale of Two States – Punjab and Bihar By Mohan Guruswamy, Ramnis Attar Baitha and Jeevan Prakash Mohanty

“Special State” status for Bihar - II• With all round appreciation for Bihar’s current administration, it’s high

time the centre confers a Special State status on Bihar to include compensation for the historical investment shortfall in excess of Rs. 80,000 crore and the present value of the lost economic opportunities by various other means.

• As a blessing in disguise, Bihar has a significantly lower carbon footprint and per capita energy consumption. It has an opportunity to develop as a low carbon economy by adopting new technologies and practices in energy efficiency, low to zero emission and other waste reduction, smart, low consumption lifestyles and use of renewable energy

• With these investments, Bihar will emerge as a national and global hub for people-intensive organic farming, knowledge-based industries and in repair, reconditioning, recycling. The later will emerge as sunrise sectors, as the cost of recycling is lower than the cost ofextraction of minerals in a new regime of environment protection.

• This will also lead to a positive feedback of private sector investment – domestic and foreign to further develop an exemplary low carbon economy.

Call for Changes in JNNURM for Urban Areas in Bihar

• Enhance the JNNURM fund for Bihar from the existing Rs 1,500 crore to Rs 5,000 crore, as the present sanctioned amount is very less for a developing state like Bihar. 

• Adopt a 80:20 fund-sharing formula between the Centre and the state for the JNURM schemes for Bihar. – Under The present fund-sharing formula which the Centre gives 50% of

the fund for JNURM schemes, the state concerned gives 30% and the remaining fund is mobilized by the urban local body (ULB) concerned. Since the financial condition of the ULBs in Bihar is very poor, their share too is contributed by the state government.

• Centre should compensate Bihar financially for ensuring the state's adherence to bring down the stamp duty to 5% in accordance with the JNURM norms as reduction in the duty would adversely affect the revenue collection. 

Conclusion

BITHA can be a powerful engine as well as a catalyst for a well-rounded,

accelerated economic development of Bihar, improving quality of life and to

create job opportunities.

“Build a quality service and people will pay”

Source: www.goodnewsindia.com/index.php/Magazine/story/sulabh/P4/

Folks in Patna were amazed that the public—that would dodge bus fares—would actually pay to use the Sulabh.

Legislators and ministers visited the site daily to see this social miracle. Hopefully they learnt the lesson therein: build a quality service and people will pay.”

“…in 1974, Patna got a grand public toilet with 48 seats, 10 urinals and 20 baths for Rs.60,000. It became the talk of the town. All Sulabhs are pay-toilets, in order to make their maintenance sustainable.

Thank You!Email id:

chandra.vikash@gmail.com