Omnibus transport legislation on anvil

TO COVER BANGALORE METRO, OTHER SYSTEMS
Omnibus legislation on anvil
Deccan Herald

Positioned as the ‘Karnataka Urban Mass Rapid Transport Act’, it will be a “self-containing” law, and provide legal cover for all aspects related to modern urban transport, revealed BMRC Managing Director V Madhu.


An omnibus legislation to cover Bangalore Metro and other mass rapid transport systems, is on the anvil. The proposed draft on this has been completed by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC), and will be submitted to the Government for the State Cabinet’s clearance in a day or two.

Positioned as the ‘Karnataka Urban Mass Rapid Transport Act’, it will be a “self-containing” law, and provide legal cover for all aspects related to modern urban transport, revealed BMRC Managing Director V Madhu.

The legislation will cover the interests of not only metro rail, but other mass rapid transport systems like mono rail, cable cars and skybuses as well. There are about 109 sections in the proposed draft.

Resolving ambiguity

The proposed legislature will focus on solving the ‘ambiguity’ created by the Mysore Tramways Act, 1906, which presently provides legal cover to the Bangalore Metro project. However, the new legislation will be one up on the Tramways Act, which is limited to rail guided systems.

“The proposed Act will incorporate modern technology and the needs of the new transport systems. Any agency or local authority can put up a metro or mass transport system in the city with the approval of the government, under the proposed law,” Mr Madhu said.

The decision on a gauge for the transport system - a subject that had delayed the cabinet clearance for the Bangalore Metro for months - will also rest with the State Government. The Government will be responsible for acquiring land for the mass rapid transport projects, Mr Madhu added.

The quantum and nature of goods to be carried by the metro or any other system and passenger fare will also be clearly prescribed in the Act.

Safety standards

Safety and security will be given due consideration, Mr Madhu explained. All the parameters of safety, related to civil structure, signalling, coaching and other aspects, will be laid down by the Act.

The draft also proposes appointment of a Safety Commissioner to co-ordinate safety-related issues.

Futuristic

Derived from the Delhi Metro Act, Mr Madhu said it will be more comprehensive and futuristic, as the legal cover will be extended to all forms of mass rapid transit systems.

“We are hoping that the draft legislation, once approved, can assist other cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad frame theirs.

The draft legislation will be circulated and discussed by the Cabinet before it is finalised,” Mr Madhu added.