INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
secretariat has been promoting the development of an international integrated intermodal transport and logistics system for the region. Another complementary and important element of such a system is the development and operation of a network of dry ports, which would serve as intermodal interfaces and enable the efficient transfer of goods between different modes of transport, as well as introduce efficiency in the operations of both the Asian Highway and Trans- Asian Railway networks.
In the outcome document of the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, entitled the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024, one of the specified objectives is to significantly improve intermodal connectivity with the aim of ensuring efficient transfers between modes.
The use of intermodal linkages through dry ports and interfaces can increase the modal share of more resource-efficient transport modes, such as railways and inland waterways. This shift would help reduce demand for road transport, thereby reducing the need for road capacity expansion along existing highways and limiting the need for building new ones. This would allow a greater allotment of resources to maintenance and the development of intelligent transport systems capabilities.
The Commission, in its resolution 69 / 7 adopted the Intergovernmental Agreement on Dry Ports. On that occasion, the Commission also welcomed a proposal that the secretariat organise a signing ceremony for the Agreement during the Forum of Asian Ministers of Transport at its second session( Bangkok, November 4-6, 2013). The ceremony took place on November 7, 2013 on which date 14 member States signed the Agreement, including one which deposited an instrument of ratification. Subsequently, the Republic of Korea became a party to the Agreement through ratification( April 2014) and so did Vietnam through approval( October 2014).
Member States may wish to initiate and implement policy measures recognizing the role of intermodal interfaces, including dry ports, in integrating the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway networks into a comprehensive transport system that could lead to efficiency gains in the overall transport process while, at the same time, minimizing the adverse impacts of a rapidly growing transport sector.
Role of the Asian Highway in Sustainable Development
In 2012, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development concluded with a renewed global commitment to sustainable development. Various sectoral policies and strategies are being developed and refined in reflection of that commitment, and global and regional development agendas are giving priority to the development of sustainable and inclusive transportation systems. As mandated in the outcome document of the Conference, entitled“ The future we want”, the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development was established to articulate 17 goals.
The Open Working Group has forwarded its proposal for a set of goals to the General Assembly. The proposed goals include
( a) develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human wellbeing, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all, and
( b) by 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.
The essential attributes of sustainable and inclusive transportation systems are an optimum balance of economic, social and environmental factors along with long-term serviceability, safety, reliability, affordability and equitable access. The issue of accessibility becomes more important in the context of inclusiveness as the majority of people living below the poverty line reside in rural areas and informal urban settlements. Transportation systems may be inaccessible to them both physically and financially.
The transport sector is a major consumer of fossil fuel and has a large carbon footprint and
26 VOL 66 APRIL- JUNE 2016