Bhopal, Jan 14 (IANS) In order to make road connectivity smoother Madhya Pradesh has formed a four-member committee to implement the new transport policy which was endorsed by the state cabinet in December 2009, officials said Thursday.

The committee, with additional transport commissioner Gwalior as its chairperson and regional transport officers of Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur as members, will prepare drafts of directives for successful implementation of the transport policy and submit its reports to the government within a month, officials added.

The policy envisages establishment of district transport authorities on the lines of state transport and regional transport authority, meaning thereby that a committee headed by the district collector will be empowered to issue permits and determine routes in the district as per local requirements.

Besides, the age limit of passenger buses, 10 years for inter-state routes and 15 years for intra-state routes, will be incorporated in the permit terms and conditions and bus fares will be determined annually to help protect passengers' rights and ensure smooth conduct of transport services.

Also, under the new transport policy arrangement of buses will be made for all the regions and effective control will be exercised on goods transport also.

Constant development and construction of national and state highways and district routes will also be undertaken to ensure transport in every region keeping in mind the smooth functioning of rural transport.