Page 182 - DMGT523_LOGISTICS_AND_SUPPLY_CHAIN_MANAGEMENT

Unit 8: Transportation

Integrated Approach Notes
Part of the problem lies in the fact that there is no integrated approach to problem solving
among our policy makers and administrators. As a result, problems are addressed in parts
or in isolation from the entire system typically by building flyovers, cutting trees and
widening roads, shrinking round-abouts and so on.

What is required is the systemic approach to solve the transportation problems. Major
cities and towns must constitute an integrated transport authority that works in a co-
ordinated manner with the respective city and town development authorities to address
their land use developmental needs as well as transportation needs. These bodies must be
staffed and operated with professionals in their respective fields and not political appointees.
The National Urban Transport Policy mentions a Unified Metropolitan Development
Authority, but recommends constituting such a body only for cities with million-plus
populations, with no guidance or suggestions on how it can be constituted. Even Tier-II
cities must be mandated to constitute such a body and formulate policies that can take care
of their transportation needs. Strengthening transportation infrastructures in Tier-II cities
will encourage industries to look at such cities for expansion and new investments.

This would slow down the migration towards large metropolitan cities and relieve them
of congestion. The long-term solution to easing traffic congestion also lies in augmenting
and strengthening our public transportation systems.
Today there is a great deal of debate about the suitability of transportation systems such
as monorail and sky-bus for Indian cities. By and large, the thinking seems to be in favour
of a Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) such as a metro rail. Perhaps systems like
mono-rail or sky-bus systems can co-exist with MRTS and facilitate last mile connectivity.

From this perspective, it is no longer an either-or but a combination of all types of transport
systems carefully planned, designed, built and operated with the larger objective of easing
traffic congestion on the city roads. What is required today is a “systemic” thinking to
“systematically” address the transportation needs of the country – both urban and rural.
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:

1. …………………… is the oldest mode of transportation.
2. Highway transportation has expanded rapidly since the end of ……………………
3. The …………………… cost of air transport is low compared to rail, water, and pipeline.

8.2 Transport Functionality & Principles

Transportation functionality provides two major functions:
1. Product Movement: Whether the product is in the form of materials, components,
assemblies, work in process, or finished goods, transportation is necessary to move it to
the next stage of the manufacturing process or physically closer to the ultimate customer.
A primary transportation function is product movement up and down the value chain.
Transportation utilizes temporal, financial, and environmental resources, it is important
that items be moved only when it truly enhances product value.

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