By Mr. Om Prakash, Director, In ORBIT Tours, ex-Chairman - TAAI (WR)

It is heartening that Indian Government has finally recognized the importance of improving the “infrastructure” of India. This is the only answer to irradicate poverty, by increasing employment throughout the country, even in the rural India, providing boost to tourism & industry, support to Exports and improving the quality of life of 1 billion Indians. However if we compare with China, Indian authorities have to run at the highest speed to become a runner-up on the international scenario. Let me provide some facts & figures about China's focus on infrastructure, its capability to handle 86 million domestic and inbound tourists. Its global thinking and local action.

China has emerged as financial super power in the field of development and has left behind all the countries in the race of building China's infrastructure at a massive speed. This fact can be proved by its development in building of nationwide airports, aviation network, roads & expansion of railways. The investment in all these sectors speak for itself.

97 New Airports  Beijing will be world's largest air traffic network - Due to China's economy rise by 11.2% per annum, the spending power of the middle-class has increased. This has provided a boost to the air traffic. Keeping in view the tremendous increase in the air traffic, China Government has planned to build 97 new airports by 2020. After completion of these airports China will have 564 airports, (India has 346 airports). Keeping pace of the speed of all the development projects, China had surprised the world by hosting Olympics and the infrastructure created for Olympics. As per the official website of Olympics, Beijing will be the world's largest traffic network by 2015.

Railways: To increase the railway network, the largest investment for the last year was 42 billion dollars in comparison to the investment of 72 billion dollars in last 5 years. As per World Bank, this is the largest investment by any country to increase its railway network.

Railways & Road projects: Apart for 42 billion dollars investment in the expansion of Railways, the focus has been also on the Roads & Highways projects to join the backward areas of China. Such projects are also being implemented in full swing.
World record: As per China Government, the amount of roads built in all the western countries in last 40 years, China has achieved merely in 17 years which has surprised the whole world.

China's various major projects can be termed as “World Class Projects”, which have huge investments & use of latest world class technology. Special attention is on their timely completion. May be it concerns with development of world's biggest and latest Airport Terminal of Beijing at the cost of 3.8 billion dollars or to connect China's 2 busiest ports with world's largest 6 lane national highway comprising of 36 kms. Sea Link bridge between Shanghai & Ningbo (on the style of 4.7 km Bandra-Worli Sea-link at Mumbai). China's every development project is exceptional, which for India it looks impossible at this stage.

Rural Development: As per prior sanctioned plans, China Government had decided to bring small villages to  partner in the financial development plans. As a result over 300000 kms. new roads to connect China's villages between 2006 to 2010 are being implemented. This will provide boost to develop rural tourism.

To be in the race of Globalization and in the competition of Knowledge Economy “THINK GLOBAL, ACT LOCAL” is the need. From the above investments in infrastructure projects the vision of China Government and its leaders is well evident.
I would like to quote 2 Indo-China projects for comparison:

1. 36 kms Sea-Bridge: This is a 6 lane world's longest Sea-Bridge connecting 2 major ports/cities of China, Shanghai & Ningbo. With the functioning of this 36 kms. Sea-Bridge the distance between Shanghai and Ningbo is reduced by 120 kms.
2. Bandra-Worli Sea-link in Mumbai: I attended the meeting called by Traffic Dy. Commissioner-Mumbai to explain about the traffic conditions after the  commencement of traffic on the Bandra Worli Sea link, was explained as under:
 The original plan of approx 16 kms. from Bandra-Nariman Point was planned at the cost of Rs. 400 crores for phase 1, was cut to 4.7kms. of this phase and it has taken 10 years (from inception of the plan to partial completion of just 4.7kms. at the cost of Rs.1800 crores whereas the 6 lane, 36 kms. long Sea Bridge in China was completed in over 3 years.  

Maglev train in Shanghai - This train travels on fly-over from Shanghai International Airport to the city and covers the distance of 30 kms. in 7.5 minutes. The speed touches 431kms. per hour within 3 minutes before it descends. The train operates on magnet technology.
Ring roads of Beijing: With the development & expansion of Beijing traffic and population, Beijing started building of outer Ring Road. Over the years from one Ring Road it is now 7 outer ring roads built to facilitate the increasing traffic and the population.
After such gigantic investments in infrastructure projects China Government is facing certain difficulties. Inspite of 6 lane national highway, there are still traffic problems. According to a statements, Beijing alone adds 1000 new cars daily on its roads.
Toll ways: On one side 70% of world's toll-roads are in China, on the other hand the collection of toll amount is the highest, which means it is costliest to travel in China. In 2007, 53600kms. toll express-way was completed. China now targets for 70000kms. by 2020.
Mumbai City-Airport road traffic: In the peak time it takes over 2 hours to reach from Sahar Airport to Nariman Point or vice versa which is a criminal waste of millions of man-hours just sitting ideal in the cars and waste of huge amount of valuable petrol and diesel.
The need is the Master Plan and not the interim peace-meal solutions like, broading the existing roads, building of footbridges and Pedestrian subways and flyovers. A city like Mumbai with its ever increasing traffic demands, it needs an alternate 6 lane road from north to south and not the peace-meal solutions, like 4.7kms. sea-link which will further merge in the existing and congested roads. Can our authorities adopt certain city plans from China to reduce the sufferings of millions of commuters of Mumbai and other metros of India ?

Inadequate infrastructure and facilities for tourists: Tourists need speedy and dependable traffic arrangements in all our cities. They also need hygienic and clean toilet facilities in cities and on highways. Rest houses and good restaurants at reasonable prices should be the part of infrastructure projects to boost tourism. I hope that all concerned in Tourism Ministries in Central & State Governments, the City Planners, the Hospitality industry and Tour Operators must contribute collectively to upgrade the infrastructure & to boost tourism.

Mr. Om Prakash has visited China more than 30 times in last 8 years and has been observing the rapid change in the infrastructure in China, hence compiled the above information from various sources including some publications. This can help to compare the pace of implementation of infrastructure projects in India, which hampers the development of tourism in India.
If India wish to boost tourism, then “speedy implementation and completion of projects should be the Buz word”. Lets THINK GLOBAL & ACT LOCAL.

Readers can share their views with the writer
Tel: 022 4229281,email omprakash@inorbittours.com

May, 2010

• This is the need of the hour and globally the emphasis is on Sustainable Grow. This is Now Tourism Mantra of 21^st Century.
• November 11, 2009 – UNWTO declared as RESPONSIBLE TOURISM DAY, during world Travel Mart in London in 2009.
• The day signifies: - Preservation of Heritage and Environment.
• Keeping in mind- Needs of local people (1) Geographical settings    (2) Environment & Resources and that helps sustain the activities around a destination (including Hospitality Industry)
• Involving Local People:-  All service providers be hotels/tour operators/travel agents etc. to select areas to involve locals rather than outsiders. Locals for servicing the hotel, locals for cultural events, locals to act as Guides etc.
• Benefit: - If local community is involved, it helps in reducing the chain of poverty.  Locals become more vigilant as stake holders specially preservation of heritage monuments, wildlife etc.
• New Generation:- Tourists now ensure to visit such destinations which are providing healthy environmental surroundings where locals are involved and development activities are done by promoting natural resources; practicing Energy conservation; and Sewage treatment.  

As these measures not only save money but also ensure use of renewable energy sources, help in energy & water consumption.  Measures to reduce waste help environmental cleanliness.

Waste Management techniques must get priority by eco-tourism friendly.  

Sustainable Practices generally focuss on:-

·            In Accommodation & Hospitality Sector

·          Use of non-toxic clearing agents & detergents

·         100% organic cotton sheets, towels and mattresses.

·         Renewable energy sources like solar or wind energy.

·         Guest Room & Hotel lobby recycling bins.

·         Energy efficient lighting.

·         On site transportation with green vehicles.

·         Serve organic & local grown food.

·         Gray water recycling that is re-use of kitchen, bath & laundry water for gardens & landscaping.

·         Paper recycling programme

·         Sewage treatment plants as manure.

·         No use of plastics.  Use paper bags/textile bag.

·         Buying locally grown fruits & vegetables.      

The emphasis must also be on – (Travel & Tourism Sector):-

a)      Adopting Responsible Tourism Practices with due respect to Human Rights.

b)      Promoting knowledge, sharing knowledge and each others experience.  Specially involving locals/all involved in tourism business.

c)       Thorough understanding of the environment & respect the environment.

d)      Do not bring urban construction in a fragile environment & despoil the same eco-sensitive surroundings – control make emission, environmental pollution – Noise, water etc. 

e)      Promote organic farming.

f)       Reduce the carbon footprint and energy consumption by utilizing solar & other renewable sources of energy, whenever & wherever possible.

g)      We should give back to society from where we have benefited (which is termed corporate Responsibility) for spread of education, adopt monuments for beautification & upkeep which are located around the hotel or take up clearing up the city garbage & boost sense of hygiene.