After a decade, Rapid Transit project may become reality

After a decade, Rapid Transit project may become reality
S Praveen Dhaneshkar, Bangalore, Feb 4, DHNS:

The long-awaited Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system or a dedicated bus corridor between Central Silk Board and Hebbal on a pilot basis could finally become a reality, ten years after it was first mooted in the City.

The Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) in the Urban Development Department has convened a meeting on February 16 between the stake holders involved to take the project forward.

“The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will hold detailed discussions with the DULT to initiate steps on ways and means of making the project a reality” said Mohammed Mohsin, the Director of DULT on Friday, while speaking to Deccan Herald.

The project was first mooted in 1999-2000 but was not taken forward thereafter. The task of preparing the draft detailed project (DPR) was entrusted to RITES, a Government of India enterprise that submitted it to the State government.

Mohsin emphasised that the City needs the BRT, also called as a High Capacity Bus System (HCBS) to reduce road traffic congestion and speed up movement of public transport buses along with a ITS (Intelligent Transport System).

“The BMTC has through the concept of a ‘Bus Day’ created better awareness on use of buses by car and two-wheeler users. Now, a concept of a BRT will make commuting from point A to B even faster, a la Metro” explained Mohsin.

To be constructed at a cost of Rs 15 crore/km, the BRT involves movement of high-speed, low-floor buses on signal free corridors that are physically separated from other road lanes.

The Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Plan (CTTP) has also suggested implementation of a BRT corridor in the City on a 291.5 km route, at an approximate cost of Rs 3,498 crores in two phases on 14 corridors, primarily on the Outer Ring Road (ORR). Currently, BRT corridors are also running in Ahmedabad, New Delhi and Pune.

DULT has called for public feedback on the BRT for the creation of sustainable public transport development. Feedback can be sent to:dultbangalore@gmail.com