German biz delegation discusses transport solutions

 A German business delegation, led by Dr Kristin Pukall, head, Division for Economic Relations with Asian Pacific countries, met Minister for Transport Ramalinga Reddy and senior officers of the Transport and Urban Development departments on Friday, to discuss areas of co-operation in developing and implementing sustainable and climate-friendly urban mobility solutions in Bangalore.

A presentation on the proposed bus rapid transit system project in the City was made to the delegation that comprised Kurt Skasser, senior sector specialist, Economic and Urban Development, KFW, Ambika Banotra from the office of Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bangalore and other business leaders.

Both sides agreed to explore feasible projects in urban transport that meet mutually-agreeable goals. Development of efficient urban public transport systems is one of the urgent investment needs for the rapidly growing Indian cities.

The German team envisaged supporting selected cities in developing and implementing sustainable and climate-friendly urban mobility solutions, while the Indian team informed that it will propose feasible projects for further exploration. In support of these efforts, a study could be conducted to identify eligible projects, especially in and around the cities of Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Chennai.

The German side also announced that they would be keen on investing in the climate-friendly urban mobility projects.