Trade Mission to India- Sept. 2008
Federal Transit Administrator James S. Simpson will be leading a public transportation trade mission to India from September 22-30, 2008. The cities on this itinerary include New Delhi (September 22-23); Visakhapatnam (September 24-25); Hyderabad (September 26-27); and Mumbai (September 28-30).
India is investing a considerable amount of funding to improve its urban transportation system over the next several years. There are 393 metropolitan areas in India that have a population of 100,000 or more, and 63 of these cities have over one-half million population. These 63 cities have been targeted by the national government for significant urban transportation improvements.
The country’s urban population is currently around 30 percent of its total population. Experience throughout the world indicates that, as economies grow, rapid urbanization takes this proportion to over 60 percent before stabilization occurs. In recognition of this growth, the Indian Ministry of Urban Development has identified 12 cities to be awarded grants ranging from $100-150 million to improve their urban transportation systems.
This mission will begin in New Delhi, the seat of the national government. The city is developing plans for a 200-250 mile rail system, as well as a significant expansion of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Experimental Line. The delegation will meet with senior officials from New Delhi Metro and the BRT Experimental Line. An industry roundtable is also being planned that will provide an opportunity for the U.S. public transportation industry to engage in dialogue with government and private sector organizations from India.
The second city on the itinerary, Visakhapatnam, has a population of nearly 2 million and is one of the 100 fastest growing cities in the world. The city is the recipient of a major BRT grant from the national government. The delegation is being invited to participate in a BRT workshop which will include participants representing Indian regional and national transportation interests. A separate meeting with heads of transportation agencies that attend the workshop is also planned.
The third city on the itinerary, Hyderabad, is a city of 6 million. An initial phase of a new metrorail project is currently under construction, and the city is planning for a major BRT system with funding from the national government. A meeting with state and city officials is planned with a particular focus on rail and bus improvements for the city. A separate meeting is also planned with the Institution of Engineers in Hyderabad. The Institution is comprised of engineering executives and staff in public and private organizations in India who are intimately involved in planning, design, and operations of public transportation in the country.
A final stop in this itinerary will be in Mumbai, a city of over 13 million that plans an investment of approximately $50 billion for transportation improvements over a 20-year period. The metropolitan population is expected to reach 34 million by 2031. The proposed infrastructure will include 280 miles of a rail network and 65 miles of commuter rail.
If you desire to find out more about this trade mission, you may contact Mr. Ronald Boenau at (202-366-0195), Ronald.Boenau@dot.gov.; or Mr. Venkat Pindiprolu at (202-366-8061), Venkat.Pindiprolu@dot.gov., to advise of your interest.
U.S. Federal Transit Administration International Mass Transportation Program
U.S. Federal Transit Administration International Mass Transportation Program
Authorized by the June 1998 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), the FTA International Mass Transportation Program (IMTP) helps the U.S. transit industry to access international markets and furthers the improvement of U.S. transit by highlighting overseas innovations. To support Trade Promotion, IMTP partners with the transit industry to help build U.S. global trade competitiveness by organizing international business workshops, providing training on international commerce standards and regulations, producing resource guides on international business, and conducting trade missions with the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Transportation. IMPT’s Technology Transfer, efforts provide improved access to international data bases and create a two-way flow of information between the United States and other countries. Aided by the International Public Transit Tenders List, FTA works to enhance America’s participation in the mainstream global transit marketplace by informing U.S. transit manufacturers and suppliers about contract opportunities overseas. IMPT’s Human Capacity Building program provides classroom instruction, practical training, and exchange tours involving U.S. and foreign transit professionals.
See IMTP’s Accessing the Global Marketplace: A Resource Guide for the Transit Industry, to tap available government and private sector export assistance.
Current
International Public Transit Tenders
As presented by the Federal
Transit Administration International Mass Transportation Program
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