Monday, June 2, 2014

Idea 3: On truck transportation

Millions of trucks transport variety of goods throughout different parts of the country. However there are some highways where the number of trucks plying in those routes is considerably higher. Also some of those routes may be prone to accidents. Also, in some cases (in a two lane per direction roads), I have observed that trucks do not follow lane discipline and two slow moving trucks occupy both the lanes and move in parallel, thereby hindering traffic.  

Proposed solution: Prepare a system where in such routes, a number of trucks can be ferried by a larger truck. These larger truck drivers should be properly trained. These trucks can move at a constant max speed and will use only the right-most lane. Such a measures will translate to reduction in pollution, conservation of diesel, free flow of traffic in highways and reducing chances of accidents. Also more railway routes should incorporate the principles of Roll on Roll off methodology as adopted by Konkan Railways. 

Idea 2: On utility service sector:

Utility service providers such as electricians, plumbers and civil construction labourers provide important service to general public. However, as this sector is highly unorganized, there is lot of exploitation taking place. In some cases the service providers are highly underpaid, while in some cases, these people charge unreasonable fees for their service, mainly because of their monopoly. Sometimes common people who require these service, has to wait for days before any of such service provider shows up!

The proposed solution: All such service providers should be asked to register and the database should be collected. A communication and IT team (more employment opportunity!!) should be set up which will handle all the consumers requests and will assign this task to the registered local service provider who are available. A toll-free number is provided to all the people to send their request. Requests can also be given through internet. Each request will be assigned a number which can also be tracked online. The communication and IT team will also contact the consumer to get their feedback about the service before closing the service request from their system. A standard rate chart can be prepared for the most common request for which a fair service fees are fixed. Such system would enable faster service, improved quality and reduce chances of exploitation. Such a database will also enable the government to find which area has adequate number of service providers and which area doesn't and encourage unemployed people in this field to move to such areas.