Revolutionizing Transport: Palladium’s Vision for a Smarter, Safer, and More Connected Future

Palladium is a company dedicated to creating a positive impact on the world through collaborative models and systemic approaches. Their philosophy is rooted in the belief that social progress and commercial success are inseparable, and achieving both leads to what they call “Positive Impact.”

For nearly six decades, Palladium has worked with clients to understand the interconnectedness of the world, helping them design strategies, forge partnerships, mobilize capital, and implement programs that deliver lasting social and financial benefits. Operating in over 90 countries, Palladium remains committed to innovation, seeking new thinking and solutions to address the challenges of the future. Their mission is driven by a vision of a better world, and they are actively working to make that vision a reality.

In a recent interview, Abdullah interacted with Kailas Patil, Director, Palladium India in which he discussed about improving rural transport infrastructure, enhance connectivity in rural areas, decarbonize India’s transport sector, transport sector working towards creating more inclusive and diverse workforces, community engagement play a role in improving road safety in rural and urban areas.

Q1. How can improving rural transport infrastructure contribute to the development of other sectors such as livelihoods, health, and education?

I believe that improving rural transport infrastructure is crucial for the development of other sectors like livelihoods, health, and education. By enhancing access to markets, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions, rural communities can experience significant benefits. For instance, better roads and transportation can facilitate trade, leading to improved livelihoods and economic growth. In healthcare, reduced travel time for medical emergencies can lead to lower mortality rates and better health outcomes. Additionally, improved transport infrastructure enables children to attend school regularly, contributing to higher literacy rates and educational attainment. Furthermore, it also opens job opportunities, increases access to essential services, and promotes social inclusion. Overall, investing in rural transport infrastructure can have a ripple effect, driving sustainable development and transforming the lives of rural communities for the better.

Q2. Can you share some initiatives led by Palladium in India to enhance connectivity in rural areas, and what impact have they had so far?

Palladium’s initiatives in enhancing rural connectivity in India are making a significant impact. For instance, the “Gramanchal Parivahan” scheme of Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) in Odisha, with Palladium as the Project Management Consultant, aims to achieve “Last Mile Connectivity” from Gram Panchayat level to the State Capital. This Government of Odisha initiative is set to transform public transport across 30 districts with a budget of ₹3,178 crore over three years. It serves as an economic catalyst for Odisha’s rural economy by amplifying prospects for small traders and farmers, facilitating swifter transportation of goods, and making essential services more accessible. The scheme makes travel affordable and accessible, boosts rural tourism, and creates a feeder service for long-distance bus routes.

Through state government’s vision and our strategic approach, the scheme has had a significant impact, including over 6,000 people employed, more than 1,700 environment friendly fleets involved, accessibility to over 62,000 educational institutions, and more than 95% Gram Panchayat coverage. By bridging the connectivity gap, the Government of Odisha is empowering rural communities and fostering inclusive growth and Palladium is proud to be a key partner with the state government in this transformative journey.

Q3. What collaborative efforts are being made to decarbonize India’s transport sector? How is PPP contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions in the transport sector?

India’s transport sector is undergoing a significant shift towards decarbonization through collaborative efforts between public and private sectors. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) have been crucial in this transformation. For example, the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 promotes electric vehicles, while the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme supports infrastructure development.

States like Karnataka are adopting similar models. In Bengaluru, PPP-led initiatives with electric bus manufacturers aim to convert 50% of public buses to electric by 2030. Maharashtra is also leveraging this for sustainable road infrastructure development, integrating solar-powered toll booths.

Odisha government has also made strides in decarbonizing transport. For instance, Odisha State Road Transport Corporation operates more than 2,000 eco-friendly buses covering approximately 6.73 lakh kilometers daily and saving nearly 15 million tons of carbon annually. Also, the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) of Odisha operates an electric bus fleet under the ‘Mo Bus’ initiative which is pivotal in reducing emissions and promoting green urban mobility across the state.

These collaborative efforts are fostering the shift towards low-carbon transportation through green energy, efficient public transport, and technological innovations, all of which contribute to India’s goal of reducing emissions by 1 billion tons by 2030.

Q4. How is the transport sector working towards creating more inclusive and diverse workforces? Can you discuss any initiatives aimed at upskilling workforce, especially women to meet the evolving demands of the transport sector?

The transport sector is evolving rapidly, and inclusivity is becoming a key focus, particularly in creating opportunities for women and diverse communities. Across India, several initiatives are driving this change. For instance, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, through its collaboration with transport departments, is offering specialized programs to upskill women in technical roles such as vehicle maintenance and driving.

States like Maharashtra are also providing women-focused training in public transport services through PPP models. These initiatives are critical, as they equip women with the necessary skills while fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce that can meet the sector’s growing demands. In Odisha, CRUT’s ‘Mo Bus’ initiative is a great example of inclusivity. Nearly 50% of the conductors on these buses are women, helping to break traditional gender barriers. Also, the Government of Odisha’s pioneering program provides Heavy Motor Vehicle training to women, transgenders, and prisoners, empowering them to enhance their livelihood opportunities. The “Gramanchal Parivahan” scheme of OSRTC in collaboration with Mission Shakti SHG has empowered more than 2,000 women by opening doors to revenue-generating opportunities and promoting financial independence.

In Nashik, the Municipal Corporation has employed female conductors on city buses, creating a safer travel experience for women. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable workforce, breaking down barriers and opening up new opportunities for underrepresented groups. They showcase the impact of intentional efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, and I believe we can learn from these examples to create a more inclusive workforce in various industries.

Q5: How can community engagement play a role in improving road safety in rural and urban areas? What successful models of community involvement in road safety initiatives can be replicated across India?

Community engagement plays a critical role in improving road safety, both in rural and urban areas. When communities are involved, there’s a stronger sense of ownership and awareness, leading to better implementation of road safety measures. On a national scale, the Indian government’s Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD) project collects accident data to identify high-risk areas and improve road infrastructure. Engaging local communities to report accident-prone spots adds accuracy to these efforts, enabling better road safety planning.

Odisha is a frontrunner in engaging its communities in road safety initiatives. The Odisha government’s Operation Rakshak and Junior Rakshak programs are providing first responder training to people living along highways and NCC cadets. So far, 12,865 first responders and 9,700 NCC cadets have been equipped with life-saving skills. Additionally, the National Road Safety Short Film festival launched by the state government was a groundbreaking effort to sensitize citizens on the importance of safe road practices through audio-visual platforms. All these steps and other key initiatives taken by the Odisha government helped them achieve an 11% reduction in road accidents in 2022.

Chandigarh, on the other hand, has been innovative with its No Honking campaign. Through extensive awareness campaigns, educational sessions in schools, and community programs, this program led to a 30% reduction in noise pollution and a 10% improvement in overall traffic flow, according to Chandigarh Traffic Police statistics.
These models demonstrate how effective community involvement can be. By empowering local citizens through volunteer networks, school programs, and campaigns, and by adopting proven global strategies, we can create a sustainable culture of road safety that benefits everyone.

Q6. What role does the private sector play in shaping policies that impact rural transport and its related sectors?

The private sector significantly influences policies affecting rural transport and related sectors. One of the key ways they do this is through investments in infrastructure such as roads and public transit systems. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of these improvements, businesses can help shape government policies and foster supportive partnerships. Innovative companies that develop new transportation technologies, like electric vehicles, also play a critical role. They showcase the potential advantages of these technologies for rural transport, prompting governments to create new regulations and incentives to support their adoption.

Public-private partnerships are another crucial avenue. Through these collaborations, companies work directly with governments to plan and execute rural transport projects, leading to policies that focus on developing and maintaining vital infrastructure. Furthermore, private companies often engage with local communities to better understand their specific needs. This direct feedback helps shape policies that address the unique challenges faced by rural transport users. Overall, the private sector’s contributions help craft policies that not only enhance rural transport but also deliver broader benefits to local communities.

Q7: What role does digital technology play in enhancing road safety? Can you discuss the implementation of any such technology and its benefits?

Digital technology is revolutionizing road safety with some impressive advancements. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), like lane-keeping assist and automatic braking, help prevent accidents before they occur. Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication allows cars to share real-time info about traffic and road conditions, reducing collisions and managing traffic flow more smoothly. Smart traffic management systems use sensors and cameras to monitor and control traffic, easing congestion and enhancing safety.

Telematics and fleet management tools track vehicle performance and driver behaviour, which helps improve driving habits and prevent accidents. Automated Incident and Emergency Management Systems (IEMs) are crucial here, as they quickly detect and manage road incidents, speeding up emergency response times and minimizing the risk of secondary accidents. One great example is Odisha where the implementation of IEMS has reduced accidents by 50% and fatalities by 41%.

Together, these technologies create a comprehensive safety ecosystem to ensure that road safety is continuously improved through data-driven decisions, proactive measures, and efficient incident management. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also builds a foundation for long-term improvements in road safety and efficiency.