The union ministry of road transport and highways (RT&H) is working on the concept of a transport hub which can perk up not only the transportation sector but also boost the local infrastructure. A pilot project is likely to come up in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan and, if it works, the concept will be replicated across the country.

For the pilot project, a three-member team has been set up which includes the joint secretary of the ministry, the principal secretary (transport) of Rajasthan and the Rajsamand district collector, according to ministry officials.

The ministry has also sanctioned an institute of driving training and research (ITDR) and inspection and certification (I&C) centre for vehicles in the proposed transport hub.

The transport hub will involve setting up a number of ancillary activities like automobiles showrooms, opening of new branches by banks, setting up of offices by finance companies, truck body building industry, setting up of a regional transport office, petrol pumps, service centres of automobiles, spare part showrooms, facilities for drivers and trainees like eating and resting places.

Rajsamand district collector Pritam B Yashvant has informed the ministry that 31 acres of land had already been identified for the hub. He also assured the availability of sufficient power and water supply. The representatives of automobiles manufacturers are willing to open dealership at Rajsamand, near the tourist centre of Udaipur.

According to sources, the representatives of State Bank of India and State Bank of Jaipur and Bikaner have already expressed their desire to open new branches, keeping transport hub in their mind.

From the industry, Tata motors, the Confederation of Indian Industry and Shriram Transport Finance Company are also eager to participate in the initiative.

Rajsamand district, carved out of Udaipur district in the south of the state, is economically backward and the proposed transport hub is expected to play the role of a catalyst in building infrastructure and attracting industry, the ministry officials said.