Hyderabad Aims High in Transport Efficiency
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IMPORTANT developments in the 1 road-transport system of the Indian State of Hydergbad are foreshadowed by Mr. H. 0. HaIlas, advisory engineer to Guy Motors, Ltd., who, earlier this year, spent four months there. His purpose was to advise on the reorganization of the State's road-transport department to meet the requirements of a major programme of industrial expansion in the State.
Industrial development is essential if large-scale unemployment is to be -avoided, because the supply of labour available is greatly in excess of the needs of agriculture. Immediate problems are;—(1) Insufficient first-class roads; (2) the small carrying capacity of second and third-class roads; and (3) shortage of vehicles. These problems are being tackled vigorously; a vast road programme is in hand, and orders are being placed for a large number of new vehicles.
The Government of Hyderabad in tends to provide a first-class bus service at fares well within the reach of the mass of the patives. Modern bus stations will include accommodation for tongas (flatiy:: two-wheeled carriages, drawn by ponies, which bring in passengers and luggage from outlying districts to the bus routes).
The State plans the creation of a large new industrial ,centre in the north-east. The River Godavari will be dammed, and thermal 1..nd hydro-electric power stations established. The area to be made industrial is close to fine iron-ore deposits, and coal is readily available. There is reason to believe that at least one large English engineering company has already made its plans to instal a works there.
Mr. !Hellas, who is impressed by the potentialities of this progressive State, which is more than half again as big as England, told a correspondent that there appears to be ample capital available for the foundation of any new industry.