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