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New Alliance Established to Promote Road User Charging Initiatives Across Asia-Pacific
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New Alliance Established to Promote Road User Charging Initiatives Across Asia-Pacific

New Alliance Established to Promote Road User Charging Initiatives Across Asia-Pacific A groundbreaking alliance has emerged in the Asia-Pacific region to champion road user charging (RUC) and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Launched at the 2025 Smart Mobility Summit, the Asia-Pacific Road User Charging Alliance (APRUCA) unites ITS Taiwan, ITS Thailand, ITS India Forum, and ITS New Zealand, alongside transportation agencies and industry leaders. This coalition aims to foster collaboration, exchange expertise, and tackle regional transportation challenges through innovative road pricing and mobility solutions. FETC International and its parent company, FETC, co-hosted the summit and were instrumental in establishing the alliance. On March 19, 2025, in Taipei, the alliance was cemented with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the Smart Mobility Summit. This agreement commits members to share knowledge, shape policies, and deepen regional ties. The MOU also establishes a rotating host system for the Asia-Pacific Road User Charging gathering, offering a forum for policymakers, industry experts, and transportation professionals to develop cutting-edge solutions. Driving Smart Mobility Through Regional Unity Yi-Fang Shih, President of ITS Taiwan, highlighted the alliance’s importance, noting, “As Taipei gears up for the 2029 ITS World Congress, this alliance reflects our commitment to regional partnership. It’s poised to spark innovative ITS advancements across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.” The alliance will prioritize technologies like electronic toll collection, congestion pricing, and AI-powered traffic management, alongside data-driven pricing strategies. Dr. YC Chang, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of ITS Taiwan, stressed the value of collective effort: “Together, we can craft sustainable, efficient road pricing systems that elevate transportation across the region.” Pioneering Sustainable Road Pricing Solutions Dr. Tongkarn Kaewchalermtong, President of ITS Thailand, emphasized RUC’s potential: “Road user charging is a game-changer for optimizing traffic and securing sustainable infrastructure funding. This alliance will help us align with global standards and practices.” Akhilesh Srivastava, the President of the ITS India Forum, is emphasizing the significance of a partnership in advancing global collaboration. His statement highlights that this partnership is a major step forward, especially in the context of innovation in “RUC” (which could refer to a specific technology or concept related to the forum’s focus) and working toward the goal of achieving net-zero emissions. Essentially, Srivastava is underscoring how this collaboration will drive progress in both technological innovation and environmental sustainability on a global scale. Armin Guttke, President of ITS New Zealand, underscored the alliance’s forward-looking vision: “We’re thrilled to be part of this effort. It’s essential for crafting effective road pricing solutions that boost economic growth, environmental health, and societal well-being through regional teamwork.” An Open Invitation to Collaborate The alliance welcomes participation from ITS organizations, transport agencies, and toll operators to join its mission of creating road user charging solutions that benefit all stakeholders—governments, operators, and drivers alike. By pooling regional expertise and encouraging cross-border cooperation, APRUCA aims to build a smarter, greener, and more efficient transportation future for the Asia-Pacific. This united endeavor marks a pivotal move toward overcoming regional mobility hurdles and laying the groundwork for equitable, innovative transportation systems.

20th Annual Conference on Road Development in India
Past Event

20th Annual Conference on Road Development in India

20th Annual Conference on Road Development in India Ensuring Safer Roads for a Better Tomorrow! Join us at the 20th Annual Conference on Road Development in India on March 11-12, 2025, at Le Meridien, New Delhi!Key Highlights: Latest road safety practices being adopted Interventions for rectifying black spots & reducing accidents Cutting-edge technology initiatives enhancing road safety Presentation by Akhilesh Srivastava, Road Safety Ambassador, International Road FederationBe part of the conversation shaping India’s road safety future! Save the date & stay tuned!

SMART MOBILITY Road User Charging for SUMMIT 2025
Past Event

SMART MOBILITY Road User Charging for SUMMIT 2025

SMART MOBILITY Road User Charging for SUMMIT 2025 Explore the Policy & Legal Framework of Road User Charging at #SmartMobilitySummit2025! Join Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava (President, ITS India Forum) at #SmartMobilitySummit2025 as he shares expert insights on the Policy & Legal Framework of Road User Charging (RUC). With his extensive experience in ITS and digital transportation, this session is a must-attend for those looking to understand the evolving RUC landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.  Date: 19 March, 2025 Time: 13:45 – 15:15 p.m. (GMT+8) Location: Room 701E, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 2 Be part of the conversation shaping the future of mobility!

A highly contagious disease is spreading all across India.
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A highly contagious disease is spreading all across India.

A highly contagious disease is spreading all across India. I am talking about wrong-side driving. Over 70,000 wrong-side driving incidents were recorded in 2024. After all the risks individuals take to save time and fuel, they end up putting their lives and fellow drivers in danger. Drivers on the correct side don’t anticipate that a vehicle can come in the opposite direction, so they often drive at high speed. On the other hand, people on the wrong side feel that if they drive faster, they can reach their destination early and evade detection. But as they encounter a driver approaching them in the opposite direction, they often freeze in shock. And even before they gain control of their senses, they crash into each other. These accidents are head-on collisions. As a result of which, the injuries are fatal and often lead to death. Improving surveillance systems and installing road sensors can help detect wrong-side driving and prevent these fatal accidents. Wrong-side driving is not just a violation of traffic rules; it’s a deadly gamble with lives. What is your take on this? Originally shared by Akhilesh Srivastava on LinkedIn →

India stands on the brink of history as ISRO launches its 100th Satellite!
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India stands on the brink of history as ISRO launches its 100th Satellite!

India stands on the brink of history as ISRO launches its 100th Satellite! The GSLV-F15/NVS-02 lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, marking yet another milestone in our space journey. This launch is not just about sending another satellite into space; it’s about strengthening NavIC – our very own GPS system – and making India self-reliant in space technology. In the last decade, ISRO’s achievements have been incredible: – With Chandrayaan, we took India to the moon!– The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) made us the first country to reach Mars on its maiden attempt. Becoming the first country to reach Mars on its maiden attempt.– With Aditya L-1, we’re one step closer to unveiling the mysteries of the Sun. And now, with the 100th satellite launch, we’re proving ourselves to be a pioneer in space technology. With each mission, ISRO redefines the limits of what we can achieve as a nation. As the countdown begins, I want to salute the team that’s taking India to new heights. What’s your favorite ISRO mission so far, and where do you see ISRO in the future? Originally shared by Akhilesh Srivastava on LinkedIn →

Safe Highways for All: NHAI’s Cattle Shelters Revolutionize Road Safety and Animal Welfare
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Safe Highways for All: NHAI’s Cattle Shelters Revolutionize Road Safety and Animal Welfare

Safe Highways for All: NHAI’s Cattle Shelters Revolutionize Road Safety and Animal Welfare Out of all the inconveniences on the road, stray cattle are the most dangerous threat for drivers and themselves! The NHAI recently launched a pilot project to construct and maintain cattle shelters along the highways. These strategically placed shelters will:✦ Provide safe spaces for stray cattle, preventing them from wandering on the roads.✦ Reduce the risks of unexpected accidents by them.✦ Promote both road safety and animal welfare. By partnering with local authorities and NGOs, NHAI ensures these shelters are managed effectively and sustainably. This initiative isn’t just about road accidents- it’s about creating a highway ecosystem where both human lives and animals are valued. If successful, this could be a nationwide model, setting a new standard for highway management in India. Such thoughtful steps remind us that infrastructure development must consider all lives- human and animal alike. What other measures could improve road safety in India? Originally shared by Akhilesh Srivastava on LinkedIn →

India’s Road Safety Challenges: High-Speed Growth, Outdated Enforcement, and Behavioral Gaps – Insights from Akhilesh
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India’s Road Safety Challenges: High-Speed Growth, Outdated Enforcement, and Behavioral Gaps – Insights from Akhilesh Srivastava at SAFAR 2025

India’s Road Safety Challenges: High-Speed Growth, Outdated Enforcement, and Behavioral Gaps – Insights from Akhilesh Srivastava at SAFAR 2025 Sharing his perspective at the 1st Summit on Automotive Future Advancement in Road Safety (SAFAR) organised along the sidelines of Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, Mr. Akhilesh Srivastava, President, ITS India, said, “If we diagnose the reasons behind the road accidents in India, we come across multiple reasons. Previously the high-speed corridors in India were very limited, which increased by 10X in recent years. The number of vehicles also increased by 10X in the same time. The enforcement systems are old. We haven’t been able to change the behaviour of people.” Originally shared by Akhilesh Srivastava on LinkedIn →

Revolutionizing Mobility: Intelligent Transport Systems to Drive India’s Vision of Viksit Bharat@2047
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Revolutionizing Mobility: Intelligent Transport Systems to Drive India’s Vision of Viksit Bharat@2047

Revolutionizing Mobility: Intelligent Transport Systems to Drive India’s Vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 At the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025, the Honourable Prime Minister highlighted the need for an intelligent and integrated transportation system to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. He emphasized that modern mobility solutions are crucial for India’s economic growth, road safety, and reduced logistics costs. Aligning with this vision, ITS India Forum is dedicated to advancing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the country. It’s irony that India invests nearly INR 11 trillion annually to modernize its transport infrastructure but loses 5 % of its GDP due to transportation inefficiencies and safety issues. To address this, the ITS India Forum advocates integrating these with cutting-edge ITS solutions. ITS creates an intelligent interface between citizens and transportation systems, maximizing the benefits of extensive infrastructure investments. The future of Mobility is – Infrastructure + Vehicle + Technology = Intelligent Transport System (ITS). Our collaborative efforts with global ITS forums, IITs, and IIMs are delivering practical, tailor-made solutions for India’s unique challenges. Together, we can reshape the future of mobility in India, making transportation safer, efficient, affordable, inclusive and sustainable. For more details visit – itsindiaforum.com/ Originally shared by Akhilesh Srivastava on LinkedIn →

Roundtable Discussion: “Barrier less Tolling in India”
Past Event

Roundtable Discussion: “Barrier less Tolling in India”

Roundtable Discussion: “Barrier less Tolling in India” We are delighted to invite you to participate in an exclusive roundtable conference on “Barrierless Tolling in India: Towards Efficient, Sustainable & Innovative Infra,” organized by Primus Partners in collaboration with Think Infra. This unique event will bring together policymakers, technology providers, toll operators, legal experts, and user representatives to collaboratively design a roadmap for implementing GNSS-based Barrierless Tolling systems in India. The event will feature the release of an approach paper titled “Transitioning to Barrier-less Tolling using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Technology” by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport & Highways. Event Details: Date: 15th January 2025 Time: 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM Venue: Multipurpose Hall, India International Centre (IIC), Lodhi Estate, New Delhi Chief Guest: Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport & Highways Why Attend? Engage in meaningful discussions on policy frameworks, technological advancements, and legal safeguards. Gain insights from international case studies and pilot projects. Network with industry leaders and key decision-makers. Key Topics of Discussion: Policy & Governance Models Technological Implementation Strategies Legal and Regulatory Frameworks We believe your expertise and insights would greatly enrich the discussions and contribute to shaping the future of tolling infrastructure in India.

This Bengaluru-based startup, MetroRide Kids, is changing the way kids travel.
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This Bengaluru-based startup, MetroRide Kids, is changing the way kids travel.

This Bengaluru-based startup, MetroRide Kids, is changing the way kids travel. For working parents, managing busy schedules while ensuring safe transport for their kids becomes hectic. Everyone wants the best for their children; overcrowded buses or unreliable transport options often leave them in doubt regarding their safety. To tackle all these, India’s first app-based transport service for children is designed to ensure both safety and convenience. With features like:📌 Trained drivers- who are skilled at handling kids.📌 GPS tracking- for real-time updates.📌 CCTV cameras- for complete surveillance. This thoughtful service is also eco-friendly, operating on electric vehicles to promote sustainability. From school runs to coaching classes and after-school activities, MetroRide Kids ensures parents do not compromise between work commitments and children’s safety. After a successful launch in Hyderabad, this innovative solution is now expanding to Bengaluru, providing much relief to families in the city. Tech-driven solutions like these are a game-changer in creating safer, more sustainable cities for the next generation. Let’s leverage more such innovations that prioritize safety, sustainability, and convenience. Would you consider using such a service? Picture credits: StartupPedia Originally shared by Akhilesh Srivastava on LinkedIn →

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