10 Metro stations will get space to walk, park
June 5, 2013
TNN |
NEW DELHI: With accessibility to Metro stations becoming a problem due to poor infrastructure outside the stations, Delhi Traffic Police, public works department and Delhi Metro have identified 10 Metro stations which need retrofitting. This will include segregated pedestrian walkways, auto routes, parking points .
Sources said the Metro stations include Central Secretariat, Malviya Nagar, Karol Bagh and GTB Nagar. Different civic agencies will be involved in it. “The main problem is that of accessibility.. Different road users need to have streamlined lanes,” said a source.
Source-http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Busiest Metro stations to get traffic police help
May 28, 2013
Hindustan Times (Delhi) / Subhendu Ray
NEW DELHI: Chaos outside Delhi Metro stations might soon become a thing of the past. Now, traffic police who would be posted outside the city’s busiest Metro stations willhelp you catch that rickshaw or autorickshaw for your onward journey.
To deal with the growing problem of congestion outside Metro stations, created by autorickshaws, rickshaws, cars and buses that throng the station’s entry/exit points to pick up or drop commuters, Delhi traffic police have decided to deploy its personnel outside selectstations that see high footfalls. They will be tasked with regulating traffic to facilitate the movement of commuters.
“We have selected 45 such stations including 12 in south Delhi,” said a senior trafficpolice officer, adding that a deployment plan is being prepared.
The plan is to improve traffic flow near Metro stations and also ensure last mile-connectivity.
Delhi traffic police recently held a meeting with the officers of security cell and operations cell to discuss the proposal, said Anuj Dayal, the chief spokesperson of DMRC. Some of thestations where deployment would be made include Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate, Vishwavidyalaya and Central Secretariat.
2 more Metro stations for Okhla
May 21, 2013
Subhendu Ray, Hindustan Times New Delhi,
The congested industrial suburb is a hub of medium and small-scale industries that houses corporate offices and call centres of several business process outsourcing (BPO) companies and there has been a long-pending demand for a robust public transport system in the area.
The two new stations — Okhla Phase 3 and Okhla Vihar — will come up on the Janakpuri West-Botanical Garden corridor, said a spokesperson of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
Okhla is divided into three phases. As per a traffic survey conducted by the Delhi Metro, the two upcoming stations will cater to more than 20,000 new commuters, when they open by 2016. The ridership is expected to rise to about 25,000 by 2021.
Presently, Okhla has just one Metro station on the Central Secretariat-Badarpur Metro corridor (violet line). The station is located in Harkesh Nagar area of Okhla’s Phase 2 and registers a footfall of nearly 5,100 passengers every day.
“The Okhla Phase 3 Metro station will be a big boon for the Okhla Industrial Area Phase 3 complex, which houses many industrial units and offices of private companies. There is no Metro connectivity to this area right now. The nearest Metro station is Kalkaji on the violet line,” said Anuj Dayal, chief spokesperson of DMRC. The tenders for the construction of these Metro stations have been awarded and work has begun.
un.
More gadgets to power clean Metro stations
May 21, 2013
HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times New Delhi,
In a bid to ensure world-class cleanliness, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has procured a set of new equipment and machinery – including electrically operated scrubber drier and back pack vacuum cleaners – at all its stations and their surrounding areas in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida and Ghaziabad.
“These new equipment would provide mechanised cleaning operations and ensure dust free sweeping and cleaning. The new system will also dispose waste and garbage in bio-degradable disposal bags,” said Anuj Dayal, spokesperson of DMRC.
Amid border tension,chinese dig tunnel for Delhi Metro Line
May 20, 2013
Parvati Sharma
Amid the brouhaha in India over the border incursions by their troops, Chinese engineers were last week calmly tunneling in the heart of the national capital for the heritage line of the Delhi Metro network, signifying the growing commercial linkages between the two neighbours. Engineers of the
Shanghai Urban Construction Group (SUCG) lowered a massive 300-tonne Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) into a crater that was once a park in the shadows of the city’s main mosque – the 17th century Jama Masjid in old Delhi.
A station will be built here as part of the Delhi Metro’s 9.37 km Central Secretariat- Kashmiri Gate corridor, also called the heritage line because of its proximity to many monuments. “Tunneling this section is quite a difficult and sensitive job because of so many historic monuments here. The task is complicated by the rocky and sandy nature of the soil in this section,” Lu Yuanqiang, chairman, SUCG Infrastructure India, told IANS on location. SUCG has formed a joint venture (JV) with Indian conglomerate L&T that has been awarded different projects by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). With another Indian company, it has already constructed the New Delhi Elevated Subway (viaduct) for the second phase of DMRC’s project. Lu said his company had the expertise required to stabilise the soil in rocky areas where tunneling disturbs stability and increases the risk of subsidence.
On the Mandi House-ITO section of the line, where soil conditions were much better, 500 metres (of the 750-metre long section) of tunnel had been constructed, he said. The JV’s 2009 tunnel section for the Delhi Metro Airport Express – again requiring specialised expertise – was completed well before schedule, Lu said. The heritage line is located nine metres below the existing ramp for the Dwarka-Noida/Vaishali line and runs for 80 metres along the corridor. “The work has to be meticulous as it’s coming up under an operational corridor,” Shen Chenming, the project director, told IANS. Shen, who has been in Delhi for nearly five years, leads the workforce that is largely Chinese. Lu pointed out the difficulties that could arise from externalities in what is otherwise a fruitful collaboration between Indian and Chinese businesses.
“Specifically we face visa problems, delays and uncertainties if the relationship runs into complications for political reasons,” he said. From the business perspective, he had special praise for India, where, he said, public opinion ensures that it is “fair” for those wanting to do business. “India is a very important market for us. The Indian market is open, fair and just, while active public opinion ensures this, at least from our experience in the construction sector,” Lu said. The SUCG-L&T JV also has the contract for constructing the tunnel and stations for the Delhi Metro’s Vasant Vihar-Hauz Khas section.
Source –http://constructionsphere.com
Faster bus travel spells more commuters
May 10, 2013
Hindustan Times
May 09, 2013
Hindustan Times
May 09, 2013
The traffic situation in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta was similar to our national Capital. With car growth rate greater than the increase in road capacity (1.6 million cars in 2005 with car ownership growing by 10% every year, road growth at 1%), fast urbanisation led to traffic congestion and longer commutes.
Indonesian authorities decided to implement a bus rapid transit system named TransJakarta, which began operations in January 2004. TransJakarta was designed to provide citizens a fast public transport to reduce rush-hour traffic.
The buses run in special lanes and ticket prices are subsidised. In 2011, TransJakarta carried 115 million passengers which was an increase of 32% from the 87 million passengers in 2010. Currently it has the world’s longest BRT routes (172 km in length). HTC
Transit-oriented development to change the way Delhi travels
May 10, 2013
“The area will be developed like a small township, with affordable houses, shopping complexes, school, etc. The Karkardooma Metro station will be the main component of transport, apart from the proposed rapid rail system and BRT,” a DDA official said.
The policy is being prepared by the DDA and the Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning & Engineering) Centre (UTTIPEC). Once adopted, the TOD policy will be applicable to all Metro influence zones of the city, an area that amounts to about 19% of Delhi, including Phase III area. There are plans to involve the private sector in development of the influence zones.
While Delhi’s development has so far been on the ring and radial pattern with reliance on road-based public transport, under the transit-oriented development the commercial and residential complexes will come up within walking distance of mass rapid transit system (MRTS) network.
Curitiba in Brazil has already experienced some success with the policy. Even cities such as New York are working on this pattern. Amanda M Burden, commissioner (city planning) of New York, who was in Delhi a few months ago, said New York also faced similar challenges of growth and congestion. “Our new development is taking place next to the subway (metro). There are better spaces for cyclists and pedestrians. Every facility is at a walking distance from Metro. This model can be tailored according to Delhi’s needs,” Burden had told HT.
Wayforward
Integration of transit systems is the key
Tokyo
The Tokyo subway has 14 Metro lines that run through the length and breadth of the city. With its 328.8- km network and 282 stations, it connects every corner of the city and caters to almost nine million riders every day. Apart from the subway, Tokyo has a very strong and dedicated system for pedestrians and cyclists.
Kuala Lumpur
Kula Lumpur’s transport system is a perfect example of integrated transport network. RapidKL Rail or the monorail runs over a stretch of 8.6km through the central part of the city and connects office areas as well important markets. It caters to almost 20 million commuters a year.
The monorail integrates with Kuala Lumpur’s light rail transit system at three stations. The two corridors of LRT system run within a range of 50km in the city. KL Sentral station is a transport hub where the monorail, light rail and the fast speed airport link train have integrated stations.
The monorail is a two-coach train available every 5 minutes during peak hours and 10 minutes during lean hours
Source –http://www.hindustantimes.com
Delhi choked by its car mania
May 8, 2013
Every day, 1,400 new vehicles hit the roads. And their number is rising at 7-8% every year.
Going by these troubling statistics, experts say making driving and parking cars heavy on pockets is the only way out. “Auto suppression is one of the pillars of a good transport policy. Limit parking space, ration the automobile, tax driving to encourage people to use public transport,” said Mark Gorton, a New York-based transport expert and founder of Rethink the Auto.
Several cities across the globe – Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai in Asia, Oslo and London in Europe, New York in North America and Bogota in South America – have adopted measures such as congestion pricing, heavy tax and limited permits for new cars and strict parking policies. And the results have been more than encouraging.
According to ‘Megacity Challenges’, a research project conducted by international consultants GlobeScan and MRC McLean Hazel, congestion went down by nearly 30% in London and Stockholm due to congestion pricing. There has been a reduction of 10-20% in fuel emissions and road accidents. Annual vehicle growth in Singapore is just about 0.5%.
In its report submitted earlier this year, the High Court-appointed special task force on traffic too suggested levying congestion pricing in central business districts such as CP, Karol Bagh, Chandni Chowk, Nehru Place and South Extension. Interestingly, Delhiites too responded positively when the task force invited objections and suggestions on the issue.
“The urban development ministry too has asked every state to levy congestion tax in business districts. But the political bosses are least interested. Their suggestions are pro-automobile – widen roads, build flyovers,” said a senior Delhi government official.
This is exactly what experts caution against though they believe that unless Delhi has a sustainable transport system, such measures should be avoided. “The government should start preparing a robust integrated walking, non-motorised transport and public transport system while developing a congestion pricing policy. Prepare the people for the new arrangement in the next 5-10 years,” said Nalin Sinha, a transport expert.
The task force has also proposed levying parking charges on vehicles parked in residential colonies. “Land is a premium commodity and people cannot use it for free. A little hike in parking charges won’t deter them,” said Ashok Bhattacharya, director Unified Traffic and Transportation (Planning and Engineering) Centre.
Source- http://www.hindustantimes.com
Plan to run Bluelines in outskirts opposed
May 4, 2013
Abhinav Garg TNN
New Delhi: Safety of women passengers in buses and the need to rein in reckless DTC bus drivers are two issues that have been flagged by the Delhi HC appointed amicus curiae.
In a three-page note submitted in HC the amicus Kailash Vasdev also opposed the Delhi government’s proposed plan to rehabilitate Blueline owners/drivers by permitting them to ply on certain fixed routes outside the city.
“The issue of security/ safety on roads have once again surfaced with accidents involving buses and safety of lady passengers being jeopardized…it is imperative the state government be called upon to respond to this vital issue which has embossed all citizens,” Vasdev pointed out in his response to the government’s plan as asked by HC.
Urging HC to direct the government to file an undertaking that actions of the Blueline buses won’t repeat themselves the amicus stressed DTC must rein in its drivers and follow the best practice rule to eliminate accidents. He emphasized the need to ensure cameras are installed on the roads and all vehicles fitted with a GPS.
HC had earlier asked the government to come up with a better rehabilitation policy for former operators of Blueline buses, while hearing the operators’ plea.
Source-http://epaper.timesofindia.com
Industry corridor may get land near IGI
May 4, 2013
Dipak Kumar Dash TNN
New Delhi: A major portion of a 130-acre prime land adjacent to the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), may go to the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC), a government firm, for a song.
Government sources said that the company wants about 100 acres spread over two sectors in Dwarka from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for developing a complex that would include a convention centre, hotels and luxury housing/service apartments.
The patch spread over Sector 25&26 in Dwarka sub city was originally earmarked for relocation of wholesale trade centres in central Delhi, including Sadar Bazar, Nai Sadak and Khari Baoli, which are known for large-scale grain, paper and chemicals markets, in Master Plan-2021. Five more such areas were identified in the Master Plan-2021. The plan document says that the new wholesale markets are planned “as counter markets to cater to the demands of the growing population of Delhi only, near the rail and road entry points of NCTD. These should be linked with the proposed integrated freight complexes where the wholesale business could be operated more efficiently in a better environment”.
Sources said the task of developing an integrated freight development complex spread over 30 acres might be entrusted with the DDA.
Government sources said that DMIC Development Corporation (DMICDC) has moved its proposal, and the Union urban development ministry recently held highlevel meeting on the issue. It is learnt that while the UD ministry is in favour of allotting it at lesser price than the market rate, a section of DDA officials are hesitant since the market value of the land would be around Rs 10,000 crore.
Sources said that in a worst-case scenario, the DDA would have to allot the land for institutional use and per acre rate for such a plot is Rs 3 crore. In case the entire land is allotted to DMICDC as an institutional plot, the corporation has to cough up only Rs 300 crore.
“There are many within government who don’t agree to the proposal of giving the land at a concessional rate,” a government official said.
But there are others who have argued that DDA should focus on how to allow most efficient use of its land. “It may bring manifold investment and create job opportunities,” an urban development ministry official said.
source-http://epaper.timesofindia.com
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