The Hindu : Transport system in for major overhaul

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jan 25, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Transport system in for major overhaul

By Sujay Mehdudia

NEW DELHI, JAN. 24 . The Transport Department of the Delhi Government is on the move. Apart from ushering in reforms to upgrade the public transport system, the Department has also evolved a vision for the future with the basic thrust being on modernisation and introduction of latest technology. The concept of local transport is in for a massive change with the proposed introduction of modern, upmarket, aerodynamic, comfortable and latest colourful buses, taxis and autorickshaws plying on the Delhi roads.

According to the plan approved by the Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, the present lot of gaudy looking public transport buses in Delhi would be phased out in a systematic manner over the next few years.

The plan is expected to be placed before the Delhi Cabinet shortly and could change the face of public transport system in the Capital. Under the proposal, the State Transport Authority (STA) would make it mandatory for local private bus operators to induct or replace the present fleet with only modern buses for which a concept paper was being prepared. "Any old bus that is to be replaced or the new one that is to be inducted, it would be mandatory to comply with certain norms that are being framed by the Department. The buses, proposed to be inducted, will have high comfort levels including all safety aspects, pneumatic doors, power- steering and better seating facility. The local transport should look modern and convey the right kind of impression among the visiting national and international tourists,'' remarked the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Transport), Rajiv Talwar.

However, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) fleet will continue in the same format and will cater to its social obligations in the right earnest. The DTC fleet has been replaced only recently and its phase out will only take place after seven to ten years from now.

However, the other private CNG buses running on Delhi roads would be asked to slowly and steadily shift to new modern buses instead of inducting the present lot of bad- looking buses. The local transport fleet should have good aesthetics, generate a good feeling among those undertaking travel in it and provide them comfortable journey.

It is understood that such kind of local transport buses could have a different fare structure and charge more from passengers but these details will have to be worked out .The Government is planning to put in place a regulatory body for deciding fares in the public transport system. It is also proposed to ultimately introduce the concept of radio taxis for all the commercial local taxis plying on the Delhi roads. In fact, for strategic destinations like airports, railway stations and major tourist sports, the Government proposes to have only certain kind of taxis stationed that are equipped and networked through a radio system and the vehicles are modern and of the same make.

"Ultimately, the autorickshaws would also have to switch over to the radio paging system. The Capital and its public transport system will have to keep pace with changing times and technological upgradation will have to be an ongoing process,'' Mr.Talwar remarked.

For her part, Ms. Dikshit has been taking very keen interest in the upgradation of the public transport system and is of the view that multi-modal system has to be put in place providing different choice to passengers. In fact, she has already made it clear that reforms in the transport and water sectors would be accorded highest priority by the Congress Government during the next five years,

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