The Hindu : New Delhi News : BRT caused a similar mess in Pune

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Monday, Apr 28, 2008
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New Delhi

BRT caused a similar mess in Pune

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Delhi need not despair. The expensive traffic mess that goes by the name of the Bus Rapid Transit corridor has also left a similar, unwelcome mark on another city in the country.

Inaugurated with great fanfare in December 2006 in Pune, the BRT corridor there has now been categorically slotted as a project with “too many flaws…to the point of disuse and despair”, according to People’s Action Group.

Similar genesis

The first city in India to start a BRT service, the corridor in Pune has had a genesis similar to the one in Delhi. The project was also conceptualised and developed by the Indian Institute of Technology-based TRIPP, which has also been involved in the Delhi project.

Rahul Pawar of People’s Action in Pune and also a member of the local group “Better Roads for Pune” confirmed the worst fears of the South Delhi residents by stating: “It is the same situation here in Pune. Endless jams, chaotic traffic, total confusion, mixed traffic in BRT lanes and general mayhem.”

Sujit Patwardhan of the Pune Traffic and Transportation Forum had actually gone on record a day after the inauguration saying: “As enthusiastic supporters of the BRT in Pune, we are also concerned about the hasty way in which projects get implemented without proper attention to detail. Projects such as these have become a political affair with the ruling party rushing to get the project off the ground in time to beat deadlines set by upcoming elections.”

Meanwhile, faced with a similar situation, resident groups in Delhi are now gearing up to hold local representatives responsible if the project goes ahead. The groups are also preparing to petition them against the project.

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