Contents

Governance 

Improving good governance is a key to the success of the democratic process as well as to facilitate the efficient functioning of the government machinery. MoIC is involved in quite a few initiatives in this area as explained below: 

Transport visioning 

Report on the Integrated Transport Vision - 2040 will be finalized within August 2011 to guide the future integration and development of the national transportation system. Recommendations of this study are expected to lead to a better and coordinated approach and clearer line of responsibilities among the players in terms of planning, implementation and enforcement. 

Revenue collection 

RSTA continues to collect substantial amount of revenue to finance the growing development needs of the country, as indicated below: 

Revenue collection between July 2010 and March 2011 amounted to Nu 181.130 million. 

Institutional capacity and public service delivery system in the transport sector 

i) Decentralization of printing of driving licenses and vehicle registration renewal to Base Offices
With the launching of e-RaLIS (e-Registration & Licensing Information System), the printing of driving licenses and renewal of vehicle registration certificates has been decentralized to Base Offices for improved service delivery. New driving licenses and renewal are be delivered within one day by the Regional and Base Offices.

ii) Opening of new Base Office at Pemagatshel 

In order to enforce Road Safety & Transport Act and Regulations as well as to improve service delivery, Base Office at Pemagatshel has been established. 

Legislative plan 

Owing to practical difficulties experienced in enforcing laws, MoIC has recognized the need to amend most of the existing Acts. The amendments are proposed mainly to reduce administrative burden on the provider as well as receivers of services by making the laws simpler, more efficient and less cumbersome. Therefore, these legal instruments will be revised and submitted for deliberation in the Parliament as and when ready. The Acts include the Road Safety & Transport Act 1999, Bhutan Postal Corporation Act 1999, Civil Aviation Act 2000, ICT Act including cyber security and privacy, and the Bhutan Information, Communications & Media Act 2006. 

CONSERVATION OF ENVIRONMENT 

1. Vehicle emission 

Beginning last year, vehicles belonging to or registered in the name of the armed forces are being tested for vehicle emission. So far, around 200 such vehicles have been tested and this will continue hereafter. 

2. Eco-friendly urban transport 

Rapid increase in the number of vehicles and urban congestion are making negative impact to the otherwise pristine natural environment. Therefore, a feasibility study to introduce eco-friendly urban transport, together with service expansion plan for Thimphu has commenced with assistance from the International Finance Corporation. 

The following matrix summarizes the trend, challenges and expectations: 

Trend 

• Growing patronage of public transport system.

• Increased frequency of services and use of safer and comfortable buses. 

Challenges 

• Transportation responsibility spread over many agencies. 

• Low institutional capacity and other facilities for RSTA and traffic police.

• Growing urbanization leading to congestion and vehicle pollution. 

Looking ahead 

• Strengthen policy & legal instruments to create level playing field. 

• Integrate transport system. 

• Improve urban transport.