Problems in Road Transport: Causes, Effects, and Remedies

This report examines the key problems affecting road transport in India. The issues discussed include inadequate road infrastructure, high taxation, poor maintenance, lack of coordination among states, and insufficient road networks in rural areas. The report also addresses the lack of guest houses and hotels, inefficient management, rising fuel prices, undisciplined driving, and the poor condition of roads. Each problem is analyzed, and its impact on the transportation system is highlighted. The report suggests potential solutions and recommendations to improve the efficiency, safety, and overall quality of road transport, emphasizing the need for infrastructure development, policy changes, and improved management practices.

PROBLEMS IN ROAD TRANSPORT
1. Inadequate Roads:
Roads are bad and inadequate in India. There are 34 km long roads per
100 sq. km area in India while in Japan 270 km and in West Germany 167 km
long roads per 100 sq. km area are there. Government should spend more on the
development of roads.
2. Heavy Taxes:
There is heavy tax burden on motor transport in India. Tax burden per
motor vehicle in India is Rs. 3500 while in America it is Rs. 860 and in Britain
Rs. 470. This tax burden should be lowered.
3. No proper Maintenance:
Roads are not maintained properly in India. Less than 0.1 percent of the
national income is spent on the maintenance of roads in India, while in Japan it
is 3 percent of the national income.
4. Lack of Co-ordination:
There is little co-operation and co- ordination among different states with
regard to motor transport. As such, motor transport faces lot of difficulties. The
states should pursue a co-ordinate policy in this matter.
5. Less Roads in Rural Areas:
Sixty percent of villages are without roads in India. It adversely affects
our agriculture and rural economy. Government should develop roads speedily
in rural areas.

6. Lack of Guest Houses:
There is lack of guest houses and hotels along the roadside in India. More
guest houses should be built along the road sides, so that people may undertake
long road journeys easily.
7. Inefficient Management and Services:
According to ‘Road Transport Reorganization Committee’, 90 per cent of
the operators are small operators owning five vehicles or less. Owing to this
small number, satisfactory and efficient service is not being provided to the
people.
8. Rising Prices of Petrol/Diesel:
Due to high prices of petroleum products and diesel operational costs of
road transport are rising and making the mode of transport more costly.
9. Undisciplined Driving and Accidents:
Most of the drivers on the roads are unskilled and untrained. They also
drink alcohol while driving. As such, road accidents are more frequent in India.
10. Bad Conditions of Road:
In India, roads are not well-maintained as there are no timely repairs. It
causes discomfort and quick depreciation of vehicles.