The Hindu : New Delhi News : BRT trial run off to a shaky start

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Monday, Apr 21, 2008
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New Delhi

BRT trial run off to a shaky start

Manisha Jha

One of the buses reportedly broke down creating further confusion

PHOTO: V. Sudershan

Scene at the Chirag Dilli crossing during the first trial run of the Bus Rapid Transit corridor between Ambedkar Nagar and Moolchand in New Delhi on Sunday.

NEW DELHI: The trial run of the much-talked-about Bus Rapid Transit corridor between Ambedkar Nagar and Moolchand kicked off here on Sunday amid much confusion due to the experimental segregation of traffic.

As part of the test run, all buses plying in the corridor were allowed to run in the lane designated for them at the centre of the road. The two lanes next to this lane were reserved for cars and two-wheelers. A separate track was also provided for cyclists and other non-motorised transport along with a pedestrian path.

The trial run of the 5.8 km BRT corridor was attended by several Delhi Integrated Multi-Model Transit System officials and a number of traffic police personnel to overlook the traffic flow and monitor the system.

The test run is slated to continue till the official launch of the BRT system on May 1.

During the trial run, one of the buses reportedly broke down and a crane stationed nearby was deployed to remove the bus, creating further confusion.

“There were some signal and signage problems. We are working out on its synchronisation with the traffic movement,” said an official monitoring the project.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) S. N. Shrivastava advised motorists using the BRT corridor to co-operate with the authorities by following the lane sign-boards and sticking to their designated lanes.

“Since the BRT system is a new thing for both commuters as well as the authorities, we have to wait and see what issues unfold in front of us,” he added.

“In the meantime, I would advise BRT corridor users to have patience till the system’s trail run is over.”

However, the Bharatiya Janata Part MLA from Saket Vijay Jolly is up in arms against the system.

“It is most unfortunate that the Delhi Government has proceeded with the project without consulting or seeking suggestions from the local MLA, local municipal councillors and residents’ welfare associations of the area covered in the corridor,” he added.

Commenting on other issues bogging down the project, Mr. Jolly said: “The entire BRT concept has been mired in controversy since the outset. The official launch was originally scheduled for April 1 then it got postponed to mid-April and now it has got further pushed to May 1. Each delay has not only added an element of suspicion in the minds of Delhiites, but also contributed to cost escalation and commuter woes instead of solving Delhi’s traffic problems.”

Mr. Jolly said the Government should wait for the success of the trial run before proceeding on the 26 planned BRT corridors in the Capital.

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