The transport sector has been categorized in eight sub-sectors under new National Transport Policy (NTP) 2018, envisaging development of master plans for these sub-sectors for policy implementation in a rapid and smooth way. National Transport Policy 2018 approved by PML-N led federal cabinet few days before its departure on May 31, 2018 aims at provision of safe, affordable, efficient, and durable and environment friendly means of transport.
The policy aims to achieve the objectives of improved connectivity and accessibility for all, enhance international competitiveness, foster sustainable urban development, and facilitate equitable growth, making the best use of existing and new assets.
Also, maximize user-friendliness and consistency of transport services, ensure safe travel for all transport users and surroundings, and preserve and conserve the environment.
Policy spells out eight sub-sectors for the transport sector. In road transport, it envisages that freight transport will increasingly be shifted to rail and pipeline, by better integration of agriculture and industry to transport nodes. Length of rural roads will be enhanced for connectivity and accessibility to remote areas. Modern intelligent transport system and road safety will be actively adopted and promoted under the new policy.
In Rail transport, railway infrastructure will remain in the public sector, policy suggests and adds private sector participation in railway operations and maintenance will be promoted. Quality of Railways services for passenger and freight will be enhanced to international standards.
Air Transport sub-sector suggests new national and international routes with increased number of flights to and from Pakistan with enhanced serviceability and profitability will be opened. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will be restructured, separating its regulatory and service provision responsibilities. Aviation and air travel safety and security will be actively promoted.
In Maritime Transport, national ports master plans will be developed, with enhanced future capacity, improved procurement programmes and removal of impediments in trade. Ports will be operated under a landlord port model.
In Pipelines sub-sector, it has been envisaged that oil, gas and bulk liquid will principally be transported via pipelines. Pipeline connections will be established to ports, terminals and other various installations.
In inland waterway transport sub-sector, master plan will be developed with focus on short to medium lengths of navigable waterways along the Indus River, leveraging freight and passenger opportunities.
In urban transport sub-sector, master plans will be developed for all major cities including public transport, private transport, non-motorized transport, and freight transport.
In multimodal logistics sector, freight forwarding, and distribution services will be primarily delivered through private sector enterprises and facilitated / regulated by public agencies.
Work on the National Transport Policy was initiated by the Ministry of Planning, Development & Reform in collaboration with Department for International Development (DFID) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) in February, 2017. Member Infrastructure Planning Commission of Pakistan, Malik Ahmed Khan coordinated with the stakeholders in private and public sector to finalize this policy after detailed and exhaustive deliberations.
For its implementation, the policy proposes a Cabinet Committee on Transport be formed to be chaired by the prime minister including Ministers for Communications, Maritime Affairs, Railways, Aviation, Petroleum, Inter-Provincial Coordination, Planning, Finance, representatives of all the provinces and territories as members.
An Advisory Committee on Transport is also proposed to be formed under the Cabinet Committee on Transport to guide the technical development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Policy and Master Plan.
The policy has been planned on the principles ensure clear separation of roles between the policymaker, regulator, and operator shall be pursued; clear separation of roles between the policymaker, regulator, and operator shall be pursued.
As well as, transport prices shall reflect their true costs, the use of technology and innovation shall be incentivized and investment in skills shall take place continuously, it notes.
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