Prawaas 4.0 Accelerates Towards Multimodal Transport, Empowering Public Transport Initiatives

New Delhi, March 25, 2024: The Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) announced the much-anticipated 4th Edition of Prawaas 4.0, India’s flagship Multimodal Transport Show, slated to be held from August 29-31 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).

With the overarching theme of “Safe, Smart, and Sustainable Passenger Mobility,” Prawaas 4.0 is dedicated to bringing together the entire spectrum of multimodal transport stakeholders. This includes manufacturers of buses and cars, fleet owners, as well as partners in metro and LEVs from all 36 States and Union Territories of India. Acknowledging the vital role of efficient public transport in realizing the vision of “Viksit Bharat” by the Honorable PM, Prawaas 4.0 advocates for increased utilization of public transport. Such a shift not only alleviates road congestion but also aligns with sustainability objectives.

Karnataka State Bus Owners Association, Karnataka State Tourism Private Transport Owners Association, Karnataka State Travel Operators Association, Karnataka Tourist Motor Cab Maxi Owners Welfare Association, Bangalore Tourist Taxi Owners Association are the proud Host Associations for Prawaas 4.0.

Today’s curtain raiser event provided a glimpse into the exciting array of activities planned for Prawaas 4.0. Esteemed dignitaries such as Shri Ramalinga Reddy, Honorable Minister for Transport and Muzrai, Government of Karnataka, graced the occasion along with notable personalities including Shri Jagdeo Singh Khalsa, Chairman, BOCI; Shri Prasanna Patwardhan, President, BOCI; Shri Alah Baksh Afzal, General Secretary, BOCI; Shri Harsh Kotak, Treasurer, BOCI and Shri Jagdish Patankar, Executive Chairman, MM Activ, the Event Curators.

Prawaas 4.0 is a ground-breaking expedition towards multi-modal transport, where it will lead the charge in shaping the future of mobility. The conference will host insightful dialogues, the exhibition will spotlight cutting-edge trends with a display of industry-driven innovations and technologies, and across a myriad of categories, the prestigious awards ceremony will recognize exceptional contributions and talents within the industry. Together, these components form a comprehensive platform unveiling the roadmap to excellence in mobility.

In this edition of Prawaas, significant emphasis will be placed on the School Bus segment, Tourism, Electric Vehicles (EV), and Metro systems. As we explore the future of mobility, Prawaas stands as a beacon, guiding the way forward toward sustainable, efficient, and inclusive transportation solutions.

Tata Motors, redbus, Eberspaecher Suetrak, abhibus, VECV, Ashok Leyland, JBM, Repose, Bitla, Mahindra School Bus Division, Urjja Bus, MG Motor, Valeo, Trans ACNR, Valeo Motherson and more corporates are likely to participate in the event.

“In the past three years, Prawaas has united the Bus, Taxi, and Transport industry to address regulatory needs and system improvements. State and Central government support is vital for enhancing quality of life and industry growth. Our focus is on delivering top-notch tourism experiences, necessitating infrastructure improvements, safe roads, better accessibility, and reduced taxes. Nationwide, 380 million people travel by bus, with Karnataka alone hosting 120 million passengers in KSRTC buses. Prioritizing tourism development will drive growth in the transport sector. We have already boosted accessibility with the online All India Permit Service and reduced parking fees at the Kalasipalyam bus stop. We will back the entire ecosystem, aiming to generate 500 crores annually. Let’s stand together to ensure the event’s success.“ said Shri Ramalinga Reddy, Honourable Minster for Transport and Muzrai, Government of Karnataka

During the event Prasanna Patwardhan, President, of BOCI, said, “In the bustling streets of Bangalore, a city thriving with transportation innovation, we stand at a pivotal juncture, recalling Darwin’s enduring wisdom: adaptability is paramount for survival. The growing demand for accessible public transport is evident, given the surge in personal vehicles and infrastructure costs. Presently, private businesses own 92% of buses in India, while 85% of the populace relies solely on public transit. This underscores the urgent need to reconsider public transport, bridge the gap between private and public transit, and reform taxes to incentivize bus usage. Every step towards a brighter future showcases our shared commitment and collective foresight.”