In a remarkable attempt to centralise and optimise India's transport systems, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has unveiled plans to build an integrated public transport and terminal infrastructure nationwide.

These hubs are designed to bring together different modes of transportation such as roads, railways, airways, waterways and cable cars in one location, increasing passenger convenience and improving the overall travel experience.

The government plans to launch pilot projects in Katra, Tirupati, Varanasi and Nagpur. The development of these hubs will be managed by National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLM), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Ministry officials said that this initiative aims to significantly improve the efficiency of both freight and passenger transport in the country.

The proposed terminals are conceived as one-stop solutions, allowing the integration and interconnection of different transport systems. This approach is intended to meet the needs of the 87 percent of passenger traffic that currently depends on the country's road network.

The proposed terminals are conceived as one-stop solutions, allowing the integration and interconnection of different transport systems. This approach is intended to meet the needs of the 87 percent of passenger traffic that currently depends on the country's road network.

The official also highlighted the current challenges faced by passengers due to the fragmented nature of the existing transport systems. Travelers often face difficulties navigating between state buses, metros, rickshaws and congested city roads.

The new terminals should address these challenges by integrating different modes of transport. They provide seamless connectivity and make transfers between different modes of transport more efficient and user-friendly.

A major milestone in this direction was the launch of the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan (NMP) in 2021, which focuses on improving multi-modal connectivity infrastructure across various economic zones.

The NMP brings together major infrastructure projects such as Bharatmala, Sagarmala and UDAN under a single digital platform, streamlining the planning and execution of these major transport projects.

This initiative is supported by the National Logistics Policy (NLP), which focuses on developing integrated infrastructure while ensuring efficiency in services, including processes and regulatory frameworks. The policy is further strengthened by the Comprehensive Logistics Action Plan (CLAP), which outlines specific steps for improving logistics operations across the country.