Thursday, Dec 31, 2009
What was described as the only solution to the parking mess on Bahardur Shah Zafar Marg — an underground multi-level parking lot to be built by MCD at Shaheed Park — has hit a roadblock. Under fire from Delhi High Court for allowing construction activities within 100 metres of protected monuments, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has refused to give permission to MCD, saying it was in the prohibited area of two centrally-protected monuments — Khooni Darwaza and Ferozeshah Kotla ruins.
Though the parking was meant to cater to Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, MCD has now shifted the site to Parade Ground near Chandni Chowk. How this will help office-goers on Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, by any stretch of imagination, is not known. MCD commissioner K S Mehra told TOI: ''We will continue to try for permission from ASI and revive the original parking plan at Shaheed Park. There has to be a policy change.''
That's a remote possibility for now. A senior ASI official said: ''MCD approached us for permission five months back and the case was referred to an expert advisory committee. The committee asked MCD to submit drawings of the plan showing the location of all ASI monuments in the vicinity to ensure they were not harmed. The area is archaeologically rich and there has been evidence of ancient structures buried there. MCD was supposed to refer back to the committee with proper drawings documenting all the centrally-protected monuments. But since this committee has been dissolved after a Delhi HIgh Court order, there is no one to give them permission now.''
The high court had pulled up ASI for granting permission within 100 metres of such monuments for development work, resulting in ASI withdrawing permission to PWD for Barapullah Nallah.
Last week MCD officials had said that work on the parking lot at Shaheed Park was going to start soon.
But the standing committee agenda tabled on Wednesday clearly mentioned ''change of plan of site from Shaheed Park to Parade Ground, Chandni Chowk area''. Tenders for the proposed Shaheed Park parking lot have been floated, and while the standing committee on Wednesday gave in-principle approval to the plan, officials said shifting the project plan to Parade Ground was only an interim measure. ''The parking plan will go to the House now,'' said a senior MCD official.It was to be one of the biggest parking lot under a park in the city and would have accommodated about 700 vehicles.
Around 1,500 vehicles are parked in the Bahadurshah Zafar Marg area daily with space for only around 500 in the authorised parking lots, according to sources. Around 24 such parking sites were supposed to be constructed under the green cover in Delhi before Commonwealth Games 2010 but work has begun on only four.NEW DELHI: This New Year's eve, an increasing number of Delhiites are opting to hail a cab or designate a driver to take them home after spirited year-end bashes. With rising awareness about the ills of drunken driving and strict prosecution by the traffic police in the past year, radio cab operators and chauffeur services say advance bookings for the early hours of January 1 have touched an all-time high.
''There is no point driving back in the fog, especially after some drinks. I have already made an online booking for a cab for 3am on January 1,'' said Shashwat Khanna of Defence Colony, who is headed to a friend's farm on MG Road.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Party-safe-Delhiites-rush-to-book-cabs/articleshow/5397308.cms
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Cops are best judge of traffic: HC
Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009
The traffic police may well be cursed every now and then for changing rules that lead to vehicular congestion, but the Delhi High Court has said cops should be granted enough leeway in deciding traffic management. ''Ultimately, it is for the traffic police to decide how best they can manage and regulate traffic and parking,'' Justice Sanjiv Khanna has observed in a recent order, refusing to issue any directions to the police in a case related to central market Lajpat Nagar. He was hearing a petition filed by Resident Welfare Association of I-block, urging HC to set aside the traffic plan currently in place in the central market. The current policy makes key routes falling inside the market ''one way.''
In the petition, the RWA sought quashing of the new traffic rules issued by DCP (traffic) declaring Firoz Gandhi Marg and Veer Sawarkar Marg as one way routes. They alleged this was an arbitrary rule which put local residents to great inconvenience. After the court sought a response, the traffic police filed a status report pointing out the area in question was extremely congested.
It further informed HC that in 2004 the Central Road Research Institute had carried out a survey for regulating traffic movement and parking plan in the area, after which the MCD prepared a long term scheme for traffic movement. Once this was approved by the deputy commissioner, Central Zone, the one-way scheme was put in place. Cops maintained all due procedures had been followed and allegation of arbitrariness were unfounded.
The high court agreed saying new scheme/plans when implemented can result in inconvenience but the police can experiment and take remedial steps as and when needed.
''Every traffic plan or regulation in a heavily congested area like Lajpat Nagar is bound to create difficulties and inconvenience for some traders/residents and be more advantageous for those at another location. The fact that the market is frequented is beneficial for all traders,'' HC reasoned, leaving it to the traffic cops to consider the suggestions and take action if needed.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Cops-are-best-judge-of-traffic-HC/articleshow/5393556.cms
The traffic police may well be cursed every now and then for changing rules that lead to vehicular congestion, but the Delhi High Court has said cops should be granted enough leeway in deciding traffic management. ''Ultimately, it is for the traffic police to decide how best they can manage and regulate traffic and parking,'' Justice Sanjiv Khanna has observed in a recent order, refusing to issue any directions to the police in a case related to central market Lajpat Nagar. He was hearing a petition filed by Resident Welfare Association of I-block, urging HC to set aside the traffic plan currently in place in the central market. The current policy makes key routes falling inside the market ''one way.''
In the petition, the RWA sought quashing of the new traffic rules issued by DCP (traffic) declaring Firoz Gandhi Marg and Veer Sawarkar Marg as one way routes. They alleged this was an arbitrary rule which put local residents to great inconvenience. After the court sought a response, the traffic police filed a status report pointing out the area in question was extremely congested.
It further informed HC that in 2004 the Central Road Research Institute had carried out a survey for regulating traffic movement and parking plan in the area, after which the MCD prepared a long term scheme for traffic movement. Once this was approved by the deputy commissioner, Central Zone, the one-way scheme was put in place. Cops maintained all due procedures had been followed and allegation of arbitrariness were unfounded.
The high court agreed saying new scheme/plans when implemented can result in inconvenience but the police can experiment and take remedial steps as and when needed.
''Every traffic plan or regulation in a heavily congested area like Lajpat Nagar is bound to create difficulties and inconvenience for some traders/residents and be more advantageous for those at another location. The fact that the market is frequented is beneficial for all traders,'' HC reasoned, leaving it to the traffic cops to consider the suggestions and take action if needed.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Cops-are-best-judge-of-traffic-HC/articleshow/5393556.cms
Crane topples on cars in South Delhi
Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009
Four cars damaged, none hurt as hydra crane at flyover construction site falls during morning rush hour
Four cars were damaged after a hydra crane at an under-construction flyover site fell on them in Badarpur, Southeast Delhi, on Tuesday morning.
No one was reported injured.
The mishap occurred at 8.30 am near the Jaitpur crossing traffic signal, when the crane fell on early-morning traffic moving from Faridabad towards the Capital. At least four cars were damaged in the incident; people inside them "miraculously" escaped unhurt, police and rescue officials said.
A Maruti-800, a Maruti Zen, a Tata Indigo Marino and a Mahindra Bolero were damaged in the accident.
T N Kaushik, who was driving the Maruti-800 on which the crane fell, told Newsline, "I was going to Nizamuddin railway station to receive my sister and brother-in-law when the incident occurred. I and a relative accompanying me were in the car when it fell suddenly — the car's roof bent down due to the impact." Kaushik lives in Sector-24, Faridabad.
The others who bore the brunt of the mishap were Sumit (driving the Bolero car from Jattari to Delhi with two others), Nikhil Sharma (headed for his office in Noida in the Zen), and Sunil Kumar Aggarwal and two of his friends — all residents of Agra — who were on their way to Mayapuri in their Indigo car.
The police have confiscated the crane and arrested its driver, identified as Sanjay Giri, for negligence. Police officials said further aspects in the case are being investigated. They added that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had awarded the contract for building the flyover to Hindustan Construction Company, which had sub-contracted the work.
The six-lane elevated Badarpur-Faridabad flyover on Mathura Road is proposed to be a 4.4-kilometre signal-free stretch. It stretches from the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) station at Badarpur to the Sector-37 crossing in Faridabad.
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Crane-topples-on-cars-in-South-Delhi/561305
Four cars damaged, none hurt as hydra crane at flyover construction site falls during morning rush hour
Four cars were damaged after a hydra crane at an under-construction flyover site fell on them in Badarpur, Southeast Delhi, on Tuesday morning.
No one was reported injured.
The mishap occurred at 8.30 am near the Jaitpur crossing traffic signal, when the crane fell on early-morning traffic moving from Faridabad towards the Capital. At least four cars were damaged in the incident; people inside them "miraculously" escaped unhurt, police and rescue officials said.
A Maruti-800, a Maruti Zen, a Tata Indigo Marino and a Mahindra Bolero were damaged in the accident.
T N Kaushik, who was driving the Maruti-800 on which the crane fell, told Newsline, "I was going to Nizamuddin railway station to receive my sister and brother-in-law when the incident occurred. I and a relative accompanying me were in the car when it fell suddenly — the car's roof bent down due to the impact." Kaushik lives in Sector-24, Faridabad.
The others who bore the brunt of the mishap were Sumit (driving the Bolero car from Jattari to Delhi with two others), Nikhil Sharma (headed for his office in Noida in the Zen), and Sunil Kumar Aggarwal and two of his friends — all residents of Agra — who were on their way to Mayapuri in their Indigo car.
The police have confiscated the crane and arrested its driver, identified as Sanjay Giri, for negligence. Police officials said further aspects in the case are being investigated. They added that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had awarded the contract for building the flyover to Hindustan Construction Company, which had sub-contracted the work.
The six-lane elevated Badarpur-Faridabad flyover on Mathura Road is proposed to be a 4.4-kilometre signal-free stretch. It stretches from the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) station at Badarpur to the Sector-37 crossing in Faridabad.
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Crane-topples-on-cars-in-South-Delhi/561305
Sunday, December 27, 2009
New traffic circulation plan for CP
Monday , Dec 28, 2009
With the New Delhi Municipal Council taking up redevelopment work at Connaught Place including construction of eight new subways in outer circle, a service corridor in middle circle, façade restoration and other related improvements, a new traffic advisory has been issued for the market place.
The new plan would come into effect from January 1 and remain in place for a period of 80 days.
As per the new traffic circulation plan, only half the width of outer circle would be available for vehicular movement and no parking would be available on middle circle and outer circle. Only one lane would be available in middle circle for traffic movement.Along with issuing the new traffic advisory, the Delhi Traffic Police also advised the general public to use the metro railway and other public transport for commuting to Connaught Place. While bus route numbers 56, 85, 166, 181, 355, 393, 440, 460, 604, 729, RL-77, RL-75, RL-79, RL-77 Extra, GL-91 and 522AC destined for New Delhi Railway station would continue to ply through Connaught Place, routes of other buses plying through Connaught Place have been changed and would be notified shortly by the Delhi Transport Corporation.
The eight subways that will come up in the outer circle will include one near Super Bazar, Minto Road, State Entry Road, Chelmsford Road, Bhagat Singh Marg, and two each at Punchkuian Road and Barakhamba Road on both sides of the metro line. These subways will be disabled-friendly and have escalators.
Work on the subways is expected to be completed in three phases and would cost Rs.35 crore. The condition of existing subways would also be improved as part of the project. Apart from subway construction and improvement the NDMC is also going to begin with service ducting in the middle circle which will require more digging to put all wires and cables into a duct.
However, traders of Connaught Place have not taken well to the traffic arrangements following the redevelopment work. According to New Delhi Traders' Association president Atul Bharghav, the new traffic circulation plan would only lead to increased traffic congestion and bottlenecks in Connaught Place and have an adverse impact on their business.At present facade restoration work is on in 16 blocks in Connaught Place making it a task for pedestrians to walk around the area. These projects have a deadline of Commonwealth Games 2010 due to which they have all been taken up simultaneously.
Original news source http://www.thehindu.com/2009/12/28/stories/2009122855910400.htm
With the New Delhi Municipal Council taking up redevelopment work at Connaught Place including construction of eight new subways in outer circle, a service corridor in middle circle, façade restoration and other related improvements, a new traffic advisory has been issued for the market place.
The new plan would come into effect from January 1 and remain in place for a period of 80 days.
As per the new traffic circulation plan, only half the width of outer circle would be available for vehicular movement and no parking would be available on middle circle and outer circle. Only one lane would be available in middle circle for traffic movement.Along with issuing the new traffic advisory, the Delhi Traffic Police also advised the general public to use the metro railway and other public transport for commuting to Connaught Place. While bus route numbers 56, 85, 166, 181, 355, 393, 440, 460, 604, 729, RL-77, RL-75, RL-79, RL-77 Extra, GL-91 and 522AC destined for New Delhi Railway station would continue to ply through Connaught Place, routes of other buses plying through Connaught Place have been changed and would be notified shortly by the Delhi Transport Corporation.
The eight subways that will come up in the outer circle will include one near Super Bazar, Minto Road, State Entry Road, Chelmsford Road, Bhagat Singh Marg, and two each at Punchkuian Road and Barakhamba Road on both sides of the metro line. These subways will be disabled-friendly and have escalators.
Work on the subways is expected to be completed in three phases and would cost Rs.35 crore. The condition of existing subways would also be improved as part of the project. Apart from subway construction and improvement the NDMC is also going to begin with service ducting in the middle circle which will require more digging to put all wires and cables into a duct.
However, traders of Connaught Place have not taken well to the traffic arrangements following the redevelopment work. According to New Delhi Traders' Association president Atul Bharghav, the new traffic circulation plan would only lead to increased traffic congestion and bottlenecks in Connaught Place and have an adverse impact on their business.At present facade restoration work is on in 16 blocks in Connaught Place making it a task for pedestrians to walk around the area. These projects have a deadline of Commonwealth Games 2010 due to which they have all been taken up simultaneously.
Original news source http://www.thehindu.com/2009/12/28/stories/2009122855910400.htm
Sunday, December 20, 2009
New underground Metro station at Central Secretariat
Monday , Dec 21, 2009
By September next year, the existing Metro station at Central Secretariat with double up to cater to the existing Line 2 which will beextended to Gurgaon and a new Metro line to Badarpur. To provide seamless connectivity and interchange between the two lines, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has created a new underground station beside the existing one and the two are going to be interlinked at the platform as well as concourse (ticketing) levels.
For all those travelling on the Jehangirpuri-Central Secretariat-Gurgaon and Central Secretariat-Badarpur Metro lines, the station will act as an interchange point where passengers can switch lines. For better connectivity, all passengers entering this underground Metro station will find a common concourse from where they can purchase tokens/smart cards and move towards the platform of their destination using lifts, escalators or staircases.
"Direct access will be provided between the platforms of Line 2 (Jehangirpuri to Gurgaon) and Line 6 (Central Secretariat to Badarpur) so that passengers from Jehangirpuri side wanting to travel towards Badarpur have to walk a short distance on the same level to change trains. Other passengers will have to come up to the concourse level before changing platforms,'' explained a DMRC spokesperson.
This is the first time an operational Metro station has been expanded. "The task is challenging as construction activities are being carried out without causing inconvenience to commuters. It was also very complex for the engineers to excavate a tunnel at a depth of approximately 16m running through the high-security Lutyens' Zone,'' the spokesperson added.
The new underground station has been constructed using the cut and cover technique. It has a height of 5.75m and width of 5.2m, stretching up to the Udyog Bhawan underground Metro station. The length of each platform is 140m with a width of 6.5m. The station will have five entry/exit points, which will be common for the old and new stations.
Parking at Central Secretariat station will also be restored by September 2010, after the Badarpur line becomes operational. The Gurgaon line is scheduled to start by June next year. The passenger subway at Gate No 4 will also be reopened at the same time.
The construction work of the Metro station for Line 6 started in September 2007 and over 75% of the civil work has been completed. The new Central Secretariat-Badarpur corridor will have 15 stations covering a distance of 20.16km. The expected daily traffic on this corridor is 3,60,122 by 2011.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/New-underground-Metro-station-at-C-Sec-/articleshow/5359968.cms
By September next year, the existing Metro station at Central Secretariat with double up to cater to the existing Line 2 which will beextended to Gurgaon and a new Metro line to Badarpur. To provide seamless connectivity and interchange between the two lines, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has created a new underground station beside the existing one and the two are going to be interlinked at the platform as well as concourse (ticketing) levels.
For all those travelling on the Jehangirpuri-Central Secretariat-Gurgaon and Central Secretariat-Badarpur Metro lines, the station will act as an interchange point where passengers can switch lines. For better connectivity, all passengers entering this underground Metro station will find a common concourse from where they can purchase tokens/smart cards and move towards the platform of their destination using lifts, escalators or staircases.
"Direct access will be provided between the platforms of Line 2 (Jehangirpuri to Gurgaon) and Line 6 (Central Secretariat to Badarpur) so that passengers from Jehangirpuri side wanting to travel towards Badarpur have to walk a short distance on the same level to change trains. Other passengers will have to come up to the concourse level before changing platforms,'' explained a DMRC spokesperson.
This is the first time an operational Metro station has been expanded. "The task is challenging as construction activities are being carried out without causing inconvenience to commuters. It was also very complex for the engineers to excavate a tunnel at a depth of approximately 16m running through the high-security Lutyens' Zone,'' the spokesperson added.
The new underground station has been constructed using the cut and cover technique. It has a height of 5.75m and width of 5.2m, stretching up to the Udyog Bhawan underground Metro station. The length of each platform is 140m with a width of 6.5m. The station will have five entry/exit points, which will be common for the old and new stations.
Parking at Central Secretariat station will also be restored by September 2010, after the Badarpur line becomes operational. The Gurgaon line is scheduled to start by June next year. The passenger subway at Gate No 4 will also be reopened at the same time.
The construction work of the Metro station for Line 6 started in September 2007 and over 75% of the civil work has been completed. The new Central Secretariat-Badarpur corridor will have 15 stations covering a distance of 20.16km. The expected daily traffic on this corridor is 3,60,122 by 2011.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/New-underground-Metro-station-at-C-Sec-/articleshow/5359968.cms
ON TRACK - Railway minister rolls out gift for east Delhi residents
Sunday , Dec 20, 2009
It's a New Year gift to more than 50-lakh people residing in East Delhi and surrounding areas.
Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit jointly inaugurated the new station building of the new railway terminal at Anand Vihar.
But to begin with, only one platform will be operational.<br>"This is only the beginning and it will soon be expanded," Dikshit said.
Dilskhit said the new terminal would benefit over 10 lakh people who come to Delhi everyday in their cars or buses and add to vehicular pressure on Delhi roads.
"Delhi's traffic is really bad and every one in Delhi is worried about it. The new terminal will help in decongesting Delhi's roads," Dikshit said.
In the long run, the new terminal will have 272 trains - long distance express and passenger trains as well as local and shuttle -- to and from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and other eastern states either originating or passing through the station.
"From March 10, three new express trains -- Garibrath Express for Motihari, one for Jogbani and another for Varanasi, will start from Anand Vihar. Two more trains, one for Farakka and another for New Jalpaiguri, will also start soon," a northern railway spokesperson said.
While the officials maintained that all eastbound trains will start or terminate at Anand Vihar terminal, they refused to say how soon it is going to happen.
The railway minister also flagged off the first express train, which will originate and terminate at Anand Vihar. The Anand Vihar-Lucknow winter special will run thrice a week.
On the lines of the railway's first women special EMU train between New Delhi and Palwal, Banerjee also inaugurated another women's special train to run between Ghaziabad and New Delhi. She also announced the launch of more women special trains and re-christening them to 'Matrabhoomi Special'.
Banerjee also announced increase in number of coaches in Delhi - Panipat EMU train from 12 to 15.
Keeping the Commonwealth Games 2010 in mind, Banerjee said, "A special train would be run throughout the country to popularise the games."<div id=speechData style='display:none;'>It's a New Year gift to more than 50-lakh people residing in East Delhi and surrounding areas.
Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit jointly inaugurated the new station building of the new railway terminal at Anand Vihar.
But to begin with, only one platform will be operational.<br>"This is only the beginning and it will soon be expanded," Dikshit said.
Dilskhit said the new terminal would benefit over 10 lakh people who come to Delhi everyday in their cars or buses and add to vehicular pressure on Delhi roads.
"Delhi's traffic is really bad and every one in Delhi is worried about it. The new terminal will help in decongesting Delhi's roads," Dikshit said.
In the long run, the new terminal will have 272 trains - long distance express and passenger trains as well as local and shuttle -- to and from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and other eastern states either originating or passing through the station.
"From March 10, three new express trains -- Garibrath Express for Motihari, one for Jogbani and another for Varanasi, will start from Anand Vihar. Two more trains, one for Farakka and another for New Jalpaiguri, will also start soon," a northern railway spokesperson said.
While the officials maintained that all eastbound trains will start or terminate at Anand Vihar terminal, they refused to say how soon it is going to happen.
The railway minister also flagged off the first express train, which will originate and terminate at Anand Vihar. The Anand Vihar-Lucknow winter special will run thrice a week.
On the lines of the railway's first women special EMU train between New Delhi and Palwal, Banerjee also inaugurated another women's special train to run between Ghaziabad and New Delhi. She also announced the launch of more women special trains and re-christening them to 'Matrabhoomi Special'.
Banerjee also announced increase in number of coaches in Delhi - Panipat EMU train from 12 to 15.
Keeping the Commonwealth Games 2010 in mind, Banerjee said, "A special train would be run throughout the country to popularise the games."
Original Article sourced from http://hindustantimes.com
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Traffic cops mull extra tax for those owning more than two vehicles
Wednesday , Dec 16, 2009
If you fancy a fleet of cars parked in front of your house, be ready to shell out more as taxes.
The Delhi Traffic Police has told the High Court that it favours levying additional taxes on those who own more than two vehicles. In a submission before the High Court, the department said it is mulling stricter taxation rules to keep a check on the number of vehicles — fast spiralling out of control and severely adding to the city's traffic problems.
The traffic department's counsel, Vikas Pahwa, told a Special Bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Justices S Muralidhar and S Ravinder Bhatt that the suggestions have already been submitted to the Delhi government for consideration and suitable action.
Pahwa told the Bench that putting on hold registration of vehicles is the first step "to ease out traffic on roads". He told the court: "For those who have more than two vehicles registered in their names, we are planning to slap more taxes in the form of road tax, parking charges, area pricing and other such taxes."
He said the stringent norms are necessary since about 30 per cent vehicles on Delhi roads are cars, and two-wheelers constitute 62 per cent.
The Bench said the government should consider the change in regulations governing taxes for vehicles.
The court was hearing a petition by the NGO Manushi, which said the court's order and MCD's policy of banning cycle rickshaws from main arterial roads and Chandni Chowk was arbitrary and violated fundamental rights of rickshawpullers. The Bench reserved its verdict and asked the civic body's counsel to submit the written arguments in a week's time.
The government had earlier suggested the introduction of biometric badges for cycle rickshawpullers, and also adopting different colour codes for each city zone.
Original Article sourced from http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/traffic-cops-mull-extra-tax-for-those-owning-more-than-two-vehicles/554612/
Friday, December 18, 2009
Delhi Metro starts trial run on new route
Saturday , Dec 12, 2009
The Delhi Metro Saturday began its trial run on the 6.17 km long Yamuna Bank-Anand Vihar route in the eastern part of the capital. The route is expected to be used by at least 100,000 passengers every day.
The route is expected to open for public by the end of this month or early next month, said an official of the Delhi Metro Rail Corp (DMRC).
The trial run was between the Lakshmi Nagar and Preet Vihar stations early in the day. "The trains will run up to Preet Vihar for some days before the trial runs are extended till the Anand Vihar station."
The Anand Vihar Metro Station has been planned as a major integrating terminal that will bring together three modes of public transport - Metro, Indian Railways and the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT).
Original Article sourced from http://www.prokerala.com/news/articles/a99809.html
Work begins on multi-level parking project at KG Marg
Friday , Dec 11, 2009
Kasturba Gandhi Marg near Connaught Place, home to 19-odd skyscrapers, sees a high number of cars requiring parking space every day.
Most of the buildings were built decades ago, when nobody predicted the vehicle boom. Today, the parking problem has become acute.
Now, with work beginning on the proposed automated multi-level parking project in the area on Monday, vehicle owners can breathe easy. After completion, the 6,219-sq ft parking lot will be able to hold 1,582 cars.
The construction, which began after a prolonged delay, will be over in 18 months. But the building will miss the Commonwealth Games deadline — contrary to the assurance given by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) when the project was launched in 2007. DS Construction Limited is in charge of the project.
Temporary offices of the project team have been set up and material for the construction is being procured.
Being raised at a prime location, the building will be accessible from Tolstoy Road, KG Marg and Barakhamba Road and will provide parking solutions to the HT Building, the American Center and Antriksh Bhawan, which stand directly in front.
"The building will have three basements and 13 floors. Once a car is placed on the platform, a computer command will indicate where to deposit the vehicle. The process will take about three minutes," said an NDMC official. The technology will be imported from Germany and 400 cars can be parked in an hour. To make optimum use of land, the building will be triangular and have attractive glass exteriors .
The scheme was launched in 2007 along with two other automated parkings — in Sarojini Nagar and BKS Marg, which are being executed by the DLF. While work on those began a couple of months ago, this project had to wait for clearances.
Original Article sourced from http://www.indianexpress.com/news/work-begins-on-multilevel-parking-project-at-kg-marg/552754/0
Thursday, December 17, 2009
DIMTS starting facility to rent bikes
Thursday , Dec 10, 2009
From Monday, those living around or visiting the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor in south Delhi will be able to rent bicycles to travel around the colonies. Delhi Integrated Multi Modal Transit System (DIMTS) is starting a facility to rent bikes at five locations on the operational part of the corridor between Ambedkar Nagar and Moolchand, from where cycles will be available at a nominal rent of Rs 10 for four hours.
The cycle stations are coming up at Siri Fort crossing, Andrews Ganj, Sheikh Sarai, Chirag Dilli and Ambedkar Nagar. At each of the stations, about 10 cycles will be available, but the number might be increased according to the demand. Those interested will need to come with an original ID proof (any one issued by the government) and a passport size photograph which will be kept as security. "An additional fee of Rs 5 will be asked for along with the rent. The commuters will also have the option of renting a cycle from one station and depositing it at another,'' said Col Ashok Kumar Singh, GM (Operations), DIMTS.
All the cycle stations will also double up as parking facilities for bikes. So if you live in Greater Kailash, you can cycle upto the nearest station, leave your bike to take a bus or metro, complete your chores and return home on the cycle again. The idea is to provide a fast, economical and eco-friendly feeder service to the BRT corridor, which also has the Metro coming up on it near Jangpura, Defence Colony and Moolchand. DIMTS is planning to tie-up with the malls in Saket and LSR college to make similar cycle stations there as well where people can park their bikes.
Even before the service has kicked off, the enquiries have already begun. "Lots of people stop at the stand after seeing the cycles and enquire about the facility. I have also had people wanting to rent the cycles. But that will only start from Monday,'' said Suraj Kumar, a security guard manning the station near Siri Fort crossing. Seeing the response, DIMTS is already planning to extend the facility to other BRT stretches even as it hasn't become operational yet.
A spokesperson added: "On Sundays, from 9am to 11.30am, people will be allowed to rent and cycle on the track purely for pleasure. Marshals will be deployed at the corridor for their safety, comfort and convenience. In a month's time, we plan to tie up with one school every month to conduct cycle training sessions for schoolchildren to encourage cycling.''
Original Article sourced from http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/DIMTS-starting-facility-to-rent-bikes/articleshow/5320449.cms
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
MCD to raze school, build it again
Friday , Dec 04, 2009
A primary school building of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in Rajouri Garden Extension will be razed to give way to a parking site. And then the building will be re-constructed while students attend classes elsewhere. The project will cost Rs 35 crore and if MCD is to be believed, there will be more such exercises in future to tide over the parking space shortage in the city.
Students from this school are being shifted to another school in the vicinity till MCD finishes construction of the multi-level parking lot, even as officials within the civic agency are raising questions about how the security of so many children will be ensured if outsiders keep entering the premises to park their cars.
Interestingly, in January this year, reacting to a TOI story, MCD had denied plans of using vacant school grounds for commercial purposes even as sources had told this newspaper back then that the civic agency had already identified 60 such schools. In a startling proof of the agency's double-speak, tenders were issued on Thursday for demolishing a functional school in Rajouri Garden Extension. The Delhi High Court, incidentally, had expressed its displeasure over the plan to put vacant school grounds to commercial use in no uncertain terms earlier this year.
The civic agency meanwhile claims that academic activities will not be disrupted and the parking lot will not pose a security threat to children studying in the school as the entry and exit to the lot will be different from that of the school.
Said press and information director, MCD, Deep Mathur: "This school was started a decade ago and is a semi-pucca structure. We will demolish the school building, make an underground parking and construct a multi-storeyed school over it. The students will be sent to another MCD primary school in the area while the construction is going on. We will ensure that the parking lot does not disturb the functioning of the school and does not pose a security problem.'' Many MCD schools are still functioning from tents even though MCD allocates a budget for building permanent structures every year.
A community hall in Subhash Nagar will also be demolished to give way to a parking site and a new hall will be made over it. The project will cost Rs 31 crore. Both the projects will take 18 months to be completed.
The civic agency is now planning to take up similar parking projects in other areas. Said leader of the House Subhash Arya: "We will look into making similar parking sites in other areas if it is required. In Rajouri Garden Extension, there is absolutely no other space where parking provisions can be made. And the situation is really bad. One obviously cannot park on the road and too many times there are fights over parking space.'' According to MCD officials, area councillors have been one of the strongest forces behind pushing through the plan of constructing a parking lot below the school building.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/MCD-to-raze-school-build-it-again/articleshow/5297610.cms
A primary school building of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in Rajouri Garden Extension will be razed to give way to a parking site. And then the building will be re-constructed while students attend classes elsewhere. The project will cost Rs 35 crore and if MCD is to be believed, there will be more such exercises in future to tide over the parking space shortage in the city.
Students from this school are being shifted to another school in the vicinity till MCD finishes construction of the multi-level parking lot, even as officials within the civic agency are raising questions about how the security of so many children will be ensured if outsiders keep entering the premises to park their cars.
Interestingly, in January this year, reacting to a TOI story, MCD had denied plans of using vacant school grounds for commercial purposes even as sources had told this newspaper back then that the civic agency had already identified 60 such schools. In a startling proof of the agency's double-speak, tenders were issued on Thursday for demolishing a functional school in Rajouri Garden Extension. The Delhi High Court, incidentally, had expressed its displeasure over the plan to put vacant school grounds to commercial use in no uncertain terms earlier this year.
The civic agency meanwhile claims that academic activities will not be disrupted and the parking lot will not pose a security threat to children studying in the school as the entry and exit to the lot will be different from that of the school.
Said press and information director, MCD, Deep Mathur: "This school was started a decade ago and is a semi-pucca structure. We will demolish the school building, make an underground parking and construct a multi-storeyed school over it. The students will be sent to another MCD primary school in the area while the construction is going on. We will ensure that the parking lot does not disturb the functioning of the school and does not pose a security problem.'' Many MCD schools are still functioning from tents even though MCD allocates a budget for building permanent structures every year.
A community hall in Subhash Nagar will also be demolished to give way to a parking site and a new hall will be made over it. The project will cost Rs 31 crore. Both the projects will take 18 months to be completed.
The civic agency is now planning to take up similar parking projects in other areas. Said leader of the House Subhash Arya: "We will look into making similar parking sites in other areas if it is required. In Rajouri Garden Extension, there is absolutely no other space where parking provisions can be made. And the situation is really bad. One obviously cannot park on the road and too many times there are fights over parking space.'' According to MCD officials, area councillors have been one of the strongest forces behind pushing through the plan of constructing a parking lot below the school building.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/MCD-to-raze-school-build-it-again/articleshow/5297610.cms
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Multi-level parking planned at IGI
Thursday , Nov 26, 2009
The parking nightmare at IGI airport will soon be a thing of the past. The new integrated terminal at the IGI Airport which will become operational before next year's Commonwealth Games, will also boast of India's largest multi-level car parking with a capacity of over 4,300 vehicles, taking the total parking capacity of the airport to about 6,500 vehicles.
At present, the domestic and international terminals have a combined capacity of 2,200 vehicles. With traffic expected to grow as the Games nears, and the new terminal catering to both domestic and international operations, the airport will have a capacity of 60 million passengers per year.
The five-storeyed building is being built on a 19.263 sq m area and is expected to be complete by March 31. Each subsequent floor will be 19,155 sq m. Its terrace will be used for parking and will be connected to terminal T3 with an air conditioned skywalk with travelators and through a corridor on the ground floor.
Delhi International Airport (P) Ltd is yet to finalize an agency to which it will outsource the management of the lot but officials say that payment for parking will be done both through cash and cards. "Those using the parking will be given the option of paying in advance. Depending on which level they use, they may also be able to avail of automated parking and valet services. Otherwise, it will be a drive-through parking lot," said an official.
Tickets would be purchased through automatic dispensers and the airport parking payment system — an integrated electronic system — will calculate time of usage of the parking lot. Once inside, there will be electronic and static signages to point out vacant parking slots. The space availability display system will also indicate the number and location of vacant slots. The ground floor will have four entry and exit gates while the upper floors will have two entry and exit lanes each.
The parking area will be serviced with flight information display systems, a public address system and CCTV cameras for greater security.
Drunk drivers will lose licence, face trial, court told
Thursday , Nov 26, 2009
Alcohol fuelled revelry on city roads is likely to be a thing of the past soon, with the Delhi Traffic Police claiming in a status report filed before the High Court that it will ensure that the guilty are brought to task.
The report, filed on Wednesday, through senior police counsel Meera Bhatia, reveals that not only will the government take a drunk driver to the Magistrate Court for trial but also "simultaneously" initiate their disqualification process from the Capital's roads before the Transport department.
The double-edged method, as detailed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic HQ) Prabhakar, is part of an elaborate set of guidelines discussed by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) with the Commissioner (Transport), Delhi government.
Earlier on October 7, a Bench led by Chief Justice A P Shah had directed the police to draft guidelines within three weeks.
"When a violator is prosecuted, his or her driving licence shall be taken into possession and forwarded along with the traffic challan to the court. A photocopy of the licence shall be taken to initiate a proposal for disqualification/revocation of driving licence with the Transport department," said the status report filed before the Bench.
In case an offender is caught without a driving licence, the police are free to seize "any other valid document" on the offender — Road Certificate, Transport Permit or Fitness Certificate, said Prabhakar.
This is to "ensure the presence of the violator in court," he added.
If no documents are found on the violator, the vehicle will be impounded.
The police also have the choice of sending proposals for disqualification of a driving licence to the traffic police. The DCP Traffic (VIP) has been nominated as a nodal officer to take up all such cases with the Transport department.
A disqualification proposal from the police to the department should include an authenticated copy of the challan, copies of the driving licence and the breath analyzer report, Prabhakar said. "Transport department shall disqualify the driving licences for a period as per the gravity of the offence. The department has already issued notices to defaulters," the report read.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
4 years on, little progress in Kamla Nagar parking project
Monday , Nov 23, 2009
Four years after announcing its plan of building the first fully automatic multi-level parking lot at Kamla Nagar market in the Capital, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has done little work in this regard.
Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna had laid the foundation stone for the project in 2007. At the spot for the project, however, there has been close to no action since then.
The civic body has now announced that the tender for the project was awarded two months ago and work has finally already begun.
The site selected for the project, a park at a roundabout, tells a different story. The roundabout has been partially broken to create a temporary entrance and the corporation has installed a board announcing the work will be undertaken at the site.
Besides that, little else has been done so far.
According to the security guard at the site, a few labourers had arrived two months ago to install the board and a temporary boundary wall to mark off the area. Since then, no worker or MCD official has visited or done work at the site.
The agency, meanwhile, maintains that work is on track at the site and the parking lot will be developed before the 2010 Games. "Progress of work at the site is satisfactory and while we are not in the position to give a projected deadline yet, it will hopefully be done before the Games," Subhash Arya, leader of the House at MCD, said.
The stack parking project will be spread over 3,200 square m, will have seven levels and will accommodate 834 cars and 300 scooters.
Once completed, the project will provide a much needed breather to the Kamla Nagar market, which currently has no parking arrangement and is regularly plagued with traffic jams, since most traders and shoppers leave their vehicles on the main road inside the market.
The project is being developed on a public private partnership basis by the MCD and a private firm called SMS Infrastructure Limited.
The civic body had had acknowledged the delay in getting work started earlier in 2007, saying the necessary environment clearances had taken up time. An MCD official, however, said the municipality had rushed the announcement of the project without getting even the basic paperwork done.
"There is a water and sewer line below the park in Kamla Nagar," he said. "The MCD had to first take permission from the Delhi Jal Board to construct the parking lot. Clearance was also necessary from the DDA and all that took time."
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/4-years-on-little-progress-in-kamla-nagar-parking-project/544946/0
Four years after announcing its plan of building the first fully automatic multi-level parking lot at Kamla Nagar market in the Capital, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has done little work in this regard.
Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna had laid the foundation stone for the project in 2007. At the spot for the project, however, there has been close to no action since then.
The civic body has now announced that the tender for the project was awarded two months ago and work has finally already begun.
The site selected for the project, a park at a roundabout, tells a different story. The roundabout has been partially broken to create a temporary entrance and the corporation has installed a board announcing the work will be undertaken at the site.
Besides that, little else has been done so far.
According to the security guard at the site, a few labourers had arrived two months ago to install the board and a temporary boundary wall to mark off the area. Since then, no worker or MCD official has visited or done work at the site.
The agency, meanwhile, maintains that work is on track at the site and the parking lot will be developed before the 2010 Games. "Progress of work at the site is satisfactory and while we are not in the position to give a projected deadline yet, it will hopefully be done before the Games," Subhash Arya, leader of the House at MCD, said.
The stack parking project will be spread over 3,200 square m, will have seven levels and will accommodate 834 cars and 300 scooters.
Once completed, the project will provide a much needed breather to the Kamla Nagar market, which currently has no parking arrangement and is regularly plagued with traffic jams, since most traders and shoppers leave their vehicles on the main road inside the market.
The project is being developed on a public private partnership basis by the MCD and a private firm called SMS Infrastructure Limited.
The civic body had had acknowledged the delay in getting work started earlier in 2007, saying the necessary environment clearances had taken up time. An MCD official, however, said the municipality had rushed the announcement of the project without getting even the basic paperwork done.
"There is a water and sewer line below the park in Kamla Nagar," he said. "The MCD had to first take permission from the Delhi Jal Board to construct the parking lot. Clearance was also necessary from the DDA and all that took time."
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/4-years-on-little-progress-in-kamla-nagar-parking-project/544946/0
Cycle stations, rental options along BRT corridor soon
Monday , Nov 23, 2009
The Delhi Integrated Multi-modal Transit System (DIMTS), in charge of operating the BRT corridor between Ambedkar Nagar and Moolchand, is setting up five cycle stations along the corridor where people can also hire cycles at a nominal rate.
The corridor already has dedicated cycle lanes alongside the pavements. DIMTS has set up the first cycle station at the Greater Kailash-Siri Fort road junction, and four more are to follow over the next 10 days, officials said.
While cyclists can park their bikes at these places for a nominal charge, which is yet to be fixed, enthusiasts can also hire bikes at Rs 10 for the whole day.
"The idea is to promote non-motorised modes of transport," an official said, adding that nearly 20 per cent of Delhi's traffic comprises cyclists. The initiative is in collaboration with the Delhi Cycling Club (DCC), an NGO that carries out cycling tours around the city.
"We have been working with DIMTS for almost a year now on promoting cycling. To that end, we had organised a cycling rally in June, where participants were given bikes for free to ride along the corridor," said DCC convenor Nalin Sinha.
Officials said cycling tracks along the BRT corridor between Moolchand and Ambedkar Nagar is used extensively by people living in Madangir and Sangam Vihar areas.
DIMTS already has a non-motorised transport cell, meant to promote green options like cycling. The official said DIMTS is already getting queries for hiring bicycles.
DIMTS's move is in sync with the Delhi government's attempt to de-motorise streets around Commonwealth Games venues, during the sports extravaganza next October. While the government is looking at ensuring that maximum people use public transport like DTC buses and Metro during the Games, cycling tracks about 1.5 metres wide are an integral part of streetscaping around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Lutyens Delhi and Delhi University areas.
The DIMTS decision is also in line with Delhi Metro's initiative of setting up bicycle stands and offering cycles on rent at its stations. the Metro has such cycle stations at Delhi University, Patel Chowk, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road and IP Extension stations.
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/cycle-stations-rental-options-along-brt-corridor-soon/544938/0
The Delhi Integrated Multi-modal Transit System (DIMTS), in charge of operating the BRT corridor between Ambedkar Nagar and Moolchand, is setting up five cycle stations along the corridor where people can also hire cycles at a nominal rate.
The corridor already has dedicated cycle lanes alongside the pavements. DIMTS has set up the first cycle station at the Greater Kailash-Siri Fort road junction, and four more are to follow over the next 10 days, officials said.
While cyclists can park their bikes at these places for a nominal charge, which is yet to be fixed, enthusiasts can also hire bikes at Rs 10 for the whole day.
"The idea is to promote non-motorised modes of transport," an official said, adding that nearly 20 per cent of Delhi's traffic comprises cyclists. The initiative is in collaboration with the Delhi Cycling Club (DCC), an NGO that carries out cycling tours around the city.
"We have been working with DIMTS for almost a year now on promoting cycling. To that end, we had organised a cycling rally in June, where participants were given bikes for free to ride along the corridor," said DCC convenor Nalin Sinha.
Officials said cycling tracks along the BRT corridor between Moolchand and Ambedkar Nagar is used extensively by people living in Madangir and Sangam Vihar areas.
DIMTS already has a non-motorised transport cell, meant to promote green options like cycling. The official said DIMTS is already getting queries for hiring bicycles.
DIMTS's move is in sync with the Delhi government's attempt to de-motorise streets around Commonwealth Games venues, during the sports extravaganza next October. While the government is looking at ensuring that maximum people use public transport like DTC buses and Metro during the Games, cycling tracks about 1.5 metres wide are an integral part of streetscaping around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Lutyens Delhi and Delhi University areas.
The DIMTS decision is also in line with Delhi Metro's initiative of setting up bicycle stands and offering cycles on rent at its stations. the Metro has such cycle stations at Delhi University, Patel Chowk, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road and IP Extension stations.
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/cycle-stations-rental-options-along-brt-corridor-soon/544938/0
Commonwealth Games gets a helping hand from students
Saturday, Nov 21, 2009
The National Cadet Corps (NCC) is preparing approximately 5000 cadets from various schools and colleges of the Capital to serve the nation during its most prestigious event, the Commonwealth Games 2010 (CWG).
NCC Director General, Lt General R. K. Karwal, lauded the volunteering services offered by the cadets on the eve of its 61stanniversary. He anticipated a prominent role of the NCC during the CWG as it did for the Asiad Games.
"We are continuously thriving towards contributing to the forthcoming grand event and are ready to provide the organizing committee as many cadets as they require. The committee is continuously in touch with us to fit our cadets in their plan. Their training mainly involves traffic control, crowd management and disaster management. They did a commendable job during the Sarojini Nagar blasts," said Lt. Gen Karwal.
The anniversary celebrations of the NCC went on for a week. It conducted 37 national integration camps and 6 special integration camps in different parts of the country.
"Such camps help develop respect and admiration for the vast cultural diversity of our country where the cadets are exposed to a common platform for interaction. This initiative will help train our cadets when a lot of foreign tourists would come in our country," said Lt. General.
The fourth Sunday of every November is celebrated as the NCC Day to commemorate the first ever function held by it on its inception. It was in November 1949 that the NCC held its first function with India's first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru presiding over it in Delhi.
"The NCC is the largest uniform youth organization in the world with 13 lakh cadets including three lakh girls, engaged in grooming the youths to make them socially aware," he added.
Original news source http://www.indiaedunews.net/Delhi/Commonwealth_Games_gets_a_helping_hand_from_students_9597/
The National Cadet Corps (NCC) is preparing approximately 5000 cadets from various schools and colleges of the Capital to serve the nation during its most prestigious event, the Commonwealth Games 2010 (CWG).
NCC Director General, Lt General R. K. Karwal, lauded the volunteering services offered by the cadets on the eve of its 61stanniversary. He anticipated a prominent role of the NCC during the CWG as it did for the Asiad Games.
"We are continuously thriving towards contributing to the forthcoming grand event and are ready to provide the organizing committee as many cadets as they require. The committee is continuously in touch with us to fit our cadets in their plan. Their training mainly involves traffic control, crowd management and disaster management. They did a commendable job during the Sarojini Nagar blasts," said Lt. Gen Karwal.
The anniversary celebrations of the NCC went on for a week. It conducted 37 national integration camps and 6 special integration camps in different parts of the country.
"Such camps help develop respect and admiration for the vast cultural diversity of our country where the cadets are exposed to a common platform for interaction. This initiative will help train our cadets when a lot of foreign tourists would come in our country," said Lt. General.
The fourth Sunday of every November is celebrated as the NCC Day to commemorate the first ever function held by it on its inception. It was in November 1949 that the NCC held its first function with India's first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru presiding over it in Delhi.
"The NCC is the largest uniform youth organization in the world with 13 lakh cadets including three lakh girls, engaged in grooming the youths to make them socially aware," he added.
Original news source http://www.indiaedunews.net/Delhi/Commonwealth_Games_gets_a_helping_hand_from_students_9597/
Balloons to monitor Delhi traffic
Friday, Nov 20, 2009
Tizzy over Delhi's traffic during for the Commonwealth Games when it is likely to go haywire, Delhi Police is going ballistic. Or you may just call it a flight of fancy. Come the Commonwealth Games, balloons will keep watch on Delhi's chaotic and mindless traffic.
High-resolution cameras installed on aerostat balloons will capture real-time images and relay them to the police.
High-resolution PTZ-pan, tilt and zoom-cameras will be installed on the balloons filled with helium gas, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) S N Shrivastava told Deccan Herald here on Friday.
While the traffic constable manning a road cannot monitor the entire stretch from one point, camera-equipped balloons will be extremely helpful as they are the best option for viewing large areas, according to Shrivastava.
Trials of the instruments were held at two places – India Gate and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium – and the results were found to be successful. If the method proves helpful, police may permanently use it during other important events in the city.
In view of the Commonwealth Games – to be held in October, 2010 – the police have already started identifying traffic bottleneck areas where the equipment can be installed.
Delhi is infamous for its traffic bottlenecks as the number of vehicles plying on the clogged city roads has crossed 58 lakh. In addition, there are more than a lakh vehicles coming from neighbouring states into the city everyday.
With at least 1,000 new vehicles getting registered daily, the traffic police are grappling for a solution.
Original news source http://www.deccanherald.com/content/37090/balloons-monitor-delhi-traffic.html
Tizzy over Delhi's traffic during for the Commonwealth Games when it is likely to go haywire, Delhi Police is going ballistic. Or you may just call it a flight of fancy. Come the Commonwealth Games, balloons will keep watch on Delhi's chaotic and mindless traffic.
High-resolution cameras installed on aerostat balloons will capture real-time images and relay them to the police.
High-resolution PTZ-pan, tilt and zoom-cameras will be installed on the balloons filled with helium gas, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) S N Shrivastava told Deccan Herald here on Friday.
While the traffic constable manning a road cannot monitor the entire stretch from one point, camera-equipped balloons will be extremely helpful as they are the best option for viewing large areas, according to Shrivastava.
Trials of the instruments were held at two places – India Gate and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium – and the results were found to be successful. If the method proves helpful, police may permanently use it during other important events in the city.
In view of the Commonwealth Games – to be held in October, 2010 – the police have already started identifying traffic bottleneck areas where the equipment can be installed.
Delhi is infamous for its traffic bottlenecks as the number of vehicles plying on the clogged city roads has crossed 58 lakh. In addition, there are more than a lakh vehicles coming from neighbouring states into the city everyday.
With at least 1,000 new vehicles getting registered daily, the traffic police are grappling for a solution.
Original news source http://www.deccanherald.com/content/37090/balloons-monitor-delhi-traffic.html
MCD nod to Commonwealth projects worth Rs547 crore
Thursday, Nov 19, 2009
As part of its infrastructure development efforts for the Commonwealth Games 2010, MCD will construct two multi-levelparking sites and three road under-bridges in the national capital.
Projects worth Rs547 crore were approved at a meeting of the MCD standing committee, a crucial decision-making body of the civic agency, today.
Among them are two multi-level parking sites in Pitampura and New Friends' Colony and three RuBs in Mangolpuri, Mundka and Najafgarh Bijwasan, standing committee chairman RK Singhal told reporters.
Original news source http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_mcd-nod-to-commonwealth-projects-worth-rs547-crore_1313927
As part of its infrastructure development efforts for the Commonwealth Games 2010, MCD will construct two multi-levelparking sites and three road under-bridges in the national capital.
Projects worth Rs547 crore were approved at a meeting of the MCD standing committee, a crucial decision-making body of the civic agency, today.
Among them are two multi-level parking sites in Pitampura and New Friends' Colony and three RuBs in Mangolpuri, Mundka and Najafgarh Bijwasan, standing committee chairman RK Singhal told reporters.
Original news source http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_mcd-nod-to-commonwealth-projects-worth-rs547-crore_1313927
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
MCD committee to take call on multi-level parking project
Sunday, Nov 15, 2009
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has decided to re-launch its ambitious multi-level parking project to ease parking woes at 15 major spots in the Capital. The Rs 110-crore project has remained on paper since its inception in 2004, battling funding and other issues. The corporation, however, claims to have resolved all issues and will present the project before the Standing Committee for approval on Wednesday.
Now, the MCD plans to invite bids by the end of this week for automatic parking lots in areas like Chirag Dilli, South Extension, Hauz Khas, New Friends Colony and Karol Bagh.
The multi-level parking lots are to be built on the 'palate parking principle' ¿ where cars are placed on flat structures and lifted via hydraulic lifts and parked where there space.
The benefit: this principle will save space.
Mehrauli parking, however, will not have automated hydraulic system and will have ramps as a cost cutting measure.
Earlier, in 2005, the MCD had awarded the tender for the first lot of these parking sites to Simpark Infrastructure, but the contract was withdrawn after the Standing Committee objected to the procedure of awarding the contract. The civic body then invited fresh bids in 2007 but nothing was finalised.
The 15 parking lots are to be built on 'Build Operate and Transfer' basis where a private firm will build the parking lot and operate it for 30 years. The MCD will benefit through advertising space and revenue generated.
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/MCD-committee-to-take-call-on-multi-level-parking-project/542957/
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has decided to re-launch its ambitious multi-level parking project to ease parking woes at 15 major spots in the Capital. The Rs 110-crore project has remained on paper since its inception in 2004, battling funding and other issues. The corporation, however, claims to have resolved all issues and will present the project before the Standing Committee for approval on Wednesday.
Now, the MCD plans to invite bids by the end of this week for automatic parking lots in areas like Chirag Dilli, South Extension, Hauz Khas, New Friends Colony and Karol Bagh.
The multi-level parking lots are to be built on the 'palate parking principle' ¿ where cars are placed on flat structures and lifted via hydraulic lifts and parked where there space.
The benefit: this principle will save space.
Mehrauli parking, however, will not have automated hydraulic system and will have ramps as a cost cutting measure.
Earlier, in 2005, the MCD had awarded the tender for the first lot of these parking sites to Simpark Infrastructure, but the contract was withdrawn after the Standing Committee objected to the procedure of awarding the contract. The civic body then invited fresh bids in 2007 but nothing was finalised.
The 15 parking lots are to be built on 'Build Operate and Transfer' basis where a private firm will build the parking lot and operate it for 30 years. The MCD will benefit through advertising space and revenue generated.
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/MCD-committee-to-take-call-on-multi-level-parking-project/542957/
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Headed for trade fair? Use Metro
Saturday, Nov 14, 2009
`Use the Metro' is Delhi Police's mantra for those planning to visit the 29th India International Trade Fair that opens today. While officials of India Trade Promotion Organisation stated that nearly 75% of the visitors in 2008 used the Metro, the extension of Metro services to Noida is expected to further decongest the roads leading to Pragati Maidan, where the fair is held.
Joint CP (traffic) S N Srivastava said that the 2009 edition of the fair could see near normal traffic flow if visitors use public transport, primarily the Metro. "With the extension of Metro services to Noida and east Delhi, we hope better traffic flow this year. Though bus and Metro fares have been hiked, they still remain popular modes of transport. Taking the Metro would save a lot of time as well.''
The fair will be be open for general public from November 19 to November 27. Timings for visitors are 9.30am to 7.30pm. And while entry to the fair on weekdays would be allowed till 6.00pm, on weekends the same would be till 4.00pm. Only one lakh visitors would be allowed entry to the fair daily.
Speaking about traffic restrictions, Srivastava said: "Parking and halting on Mathura Road, Bhagwan Dass Road, Purana Quila, Sher Shah Road, Bhairon Marg, Ring Road, Tilak Marg and `C' Hexagon would not be allowed during the fair and violators would face prosecution. Visitors can park their vehicles at the designated parking spaces near the Delhi zoo and Bhairon Road. Parking is allowed on the India Gate radials from where visitors can also avail the park and ride facilities.'' These roads would remain closed for HGVs and LGVs from 7.30am to 9.30pm.
Moreover, the right turn from Mathura Road to Bhagwan Dass Road and Purana Quila Road would not be allowed and no U-turn will be available for traffic on Mathura Road, although traffic reaching Mathura road would be allowed right turn. "This is to facilitate linear movement of traffic. There will be one subway and two footbridges for pedestrians,'' added Srivastava. There will be no sale of tickets at counters on the Mathura Road.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Headed-for-trade-fair-Use-Metro/articleshow/5228188.cms
`Use the Metro' is Delhi Police's mantra for those planning to visit the 29th India International Trade Fair that opens today. While officials of India Trade Promotion Organisation stated that nearly 75% of the visitors in 2008 used the Metro, the extension of Metro services to Noida is expected to further decongest the roads leading to Pragati Maidan, where the fair is held.
Joint CP (traffic) S N Srivastava said that the 2009 edition of the fair could see near normal traffic flow if visitors use public transport, primarily the Metro. "With the extension of Metro services to Noida and east Delhi, we hope better traffic flow this year. Though bus and Metro fares have been hiked, they still remain popular modes of transport. Taking the Metro would save a lot of time as well.''
The fair will be be open for general public from November 19 to November 27. Timings for visitors are 9.30am to 7.30pm. And while entry to the fair on weekdays would be allowed till 6.00pm, on weekends the same would be till 4.00pm. Only one lakh visitors would be allowed entry to the fair daily.
Speaking about traffic restrictions, Srivastava said: "Parking and halting on Mathura Road, Bhagwan Dass Road, Purana Quila, Sher Shah Road, Bhairon Marg, Ring Road, Tilak Marg and `C' Hexagon would not be allowed during the fair and violators would face prosecution. Visitors can park their vehicles at the designated parking spaces near the Delhi zoo and Bhairon Road. Parking is allowed on the India Gate radials from where visitors can also avail the park and ride facilities.'' These roads would remain closed for HGVs and LGVs from 7.30am to 9.30pm.
Moreover, the right turn from Mathura Road to Bhagwan Dass Road and Purana Quila Road would not be allowed and no U-turn will be available for traffic on Mathura Road, although traffic reaching Mathura road would be allowed right turn. "This is to facilitate linear movement of traffic. There will be one subway and two footbridges for pedestrians,'' added Srivastava. There will be no sale of tickets at counters on the Mathura Road.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Headed-for-trade-fair-Use-Metro/articleshow/5228188.cms
Common ticketing system for metro and DTC buses from Nov 24
Thursday, Nov 12, 2009
From Nov 24 you will just need a 'common ticket' to travel by the Delhi Transport [^] Corporation (DTC) buses and the Delhi Metro, state Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely said here Thursday.
'The system trials will start on Nov 24,' said Lovely at the inauguration of Delhi Metro's Noida section here.
The minister said that the 'card' which would be used for the common ticketing system is still being put into place.
The demand for such a 'common ticket' was being made for a long time as it would modernise and integrate the city's transport system.
A few months ago, the government had announced that it would put into place the common ticketing system before the Commonwealth Games 2010.
'The system would be of great help during the Games,' said a transport department official.'
Original news source http://trak.in/news/common-ticketing-system-for-metro-and-buses-from-nov-24/22769/
From Nov 24 you will just need a 'common ticket' to travel by the Delhi Transport [^] Corporation (DTC) buses and the Delhi Metro, state Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely said here Thursday.
'The system trials will start on Nov 24,' said Lovely at the inauguration of Delhi Metro's Noida section here.
The minister said that the 'card' which would be used for the common ticketing system is still being put into place.
The demand for such a 'common ticket' was being made for a long time as it would modernise and integrate the city's transport system.
A few months ago, the government had announced that it would put into place the common ticketing system before the Commonwealth Games 2010.
'The system would be of great help during the Games,' said a transport department official.'
Original news source http://trak.in/news/common-ticketing-system-for-metro-and-buses-from-nov-24/22769/
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
6 months jail for cell use while driving
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009
For those in the habit of talking on mobile phones while driving, here is the wake-up call.
Government is likely to notify a rule soon under which people caught talking-and-driving would be fined Rs 2,000 or six months imprisonment or both. The punishment could be suspension of driving licence for six months if such acts lead to accidents.
Using hands-free devices or sending and reading text messages while driving will also be counted as offences. "A high-powered committee has already accepted these measures to curb dangerous driving on roads," a senior transport ministry official said.
The ministry, which has been fine-tuning the proposal of heavy fine and suspension of driving licence, will soon come out with a notification in this regard, empowering traffic police to enforce the provisions strictly.
The ministry plans to introduce a sub section -- 183A -- in the Motor Vehicle Act which will include these provisions. Articulating the need to implement the provisions quickly, joint secretary in the ministry S K Dash had said at a recent meeting on road safety, "Section 183 of MVA will define the mobile phone and also specify penalties for talking on phone while driving."
He added that police in some states had started fining such offenders under Section 177 of MVA. In fact, Delhi Traffic Police's website has already included using mobile phone while driving as an offence and the penalty is Rs 1,000.
Earlier, the Committee of Petition chaired by BJP MP Venkaiah Naidu, set up as part of the Sitaram Yechury-led parliamentary committee on transport, had suggested that those caught using mobiles while driving be fined for the first three offences. For the next two transgressions, they could be fined with `negative remarks' and finally, the licence could be suspended for six months if caught for a sixth time.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/6-months-jail-for-cell-use-while-driving/articleshow/5216807.cms
For those in the habit of talking on mobile phones while driving, here is the wake-up call.
Government is likely to notify a rule soon under which people caught talking-and-driving would be fined Rs 2,000 or six months imprisonment or both. The punishment could be suspension of driving licence for six months if such acts lead to accidents.
Using hands-free devices or sending and reading text messages while driving will also be counted as offences. "A high-powered committee has already accepted these measures to curb dangerous driving on roads," a senior transport ministry official said.
The ministry, which has been fine-tuning the proposal of heavy fine and suspension of driving licence, will soon come out with a notification in this regard, empowering traffic police to enforce the provisions strictly.
The ministry plans to introduce a sub section -- 183A -- in the Motor Vehicle Act which will include these provisions. Articulating the need to implement the provisions quickly, joint secretary in the ministry S K Dash had said at a recent meeting on road safety, "Section 183 of MVA will define the mobile phone and also specify penalties for talking on phone while driving."
He added that police in some states had started fining such offenders under Section 177 of MVA. In fact, Delhi Traffic Police's website has already included using mobile phone while driving as an offence and the penalty is Rs 1,000.
Earlier, the Committee of Petition chaired by BJP MP Venkaiah Naidu, set up as part of the Sitaram Yechury-led parliamentary committee on transport, had suggested that those caught using mobiles while driving be fined for the first three offences. For the next two transgressions, they could be fined with `negative remarks' and finally, the licence could be suspended for six months if caught for a sixth time.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/6-months-jail-for-cell-use-while-driving/articleshow/5216807.cms
Monday, November 9, 2009
Parking at Chirag Delhi
Monday, Nov 09, 2009
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has decided to construct an underground parking along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Bus corridor to ease traffic chaos.
The parking will be constructed in Chirag Delhi village underneath a park.
A proposal was cleared in a meeting of the civic agency on Monday.
"This parking lot will help ease congestion in market areas near Chirag Delhi. The residential areas will also benefit," said a senior MCD official.
The project will cost Rs 35 crore and construction will start by next year. The civic agency will soon appoint a consultant for the project.
It will be a three-level parking lot that can accommodate more than 200 vehicles.
The civic body hopes to complete the project before the Commonwealth Games.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/newdelhi/Parking-at-Chirag-Delhi/Article1-474670.aspx
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has decided to construct an underground parking along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Bus corridor to ease traffic chaos.
The parking will be constructed in Chirag Delhi village underneath a park.
A proposal was cleared in a meeting of the civic agency on Monday.
"This parking lot will help ease congestion in market areas near Chirag Delhi. The residential areas will also benefit," said a senior MCD official.
The project will cost Rs 35 crore and construction will start by next year. The civic agency will soon appoint a consultant for the project.
It will be a three-level parking lot that can accommodate more than 200 vehicles.
The civic body hopes to complete the project before the Commonwealth Games.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/newdelhi/Parking-at-Chirag-Delhi/Article1-474670.aspx
Sunday, November 8, 2009
New traffic plan for Winter session
Saturday, Nov 07, 2009
Keeping in mind the forthcoming winter session of the Parliament, the Delhi Traffic Police has made changes in traffic circulation around Parliament House, with effect from Monday.
Rafi Marg has been made one-way from Sunehri Mazjid to Rail Bhawan. Raisina Road has been made one-way from Rail Bhawan towards Vijay Chowk( North Fountain).
The Traffic authorities also said that due to the construction of the Metro lines, entry to Dr Rajender Prasad Road from Rail Bhawan will remain closed.
From Vijay Chowk, only vehicles bound for the Parliament House will be allowed.
Original news source http://in.news.yahoo.com/48/20091107/804/tnl-new-traffic-plan-for-winter-session.html
Keeping in mind the forthcoming winter session of the Parliament, the Delhi Traffic Police has made changes in traffic circulation around Parliament House, with effect from Monday.
Rafi Marg has been made one-way from Sunehri Mazjid to Rail Bhawan. Raisina Road has been made one-way from Rail Bhawan towards Vijay Chowk( North Fountain).
The Traffic authorities also said that due to the construction of the Metro lines, entry to Dr Rajender Prasad Road from Rail Bhawan will remain closed.
From Vijay Chowk, only vehicles bound for the Parliament House will be allowed.
Original news source http://in.news.yahoo.com/48/20091107/804/tnl-new-traffic-plan-for-winter-session.html
Metro's Noida link may start Nov 13
Saturday, Nov 07, 2009
Delhi Metro's Noida link may be opened to the public Nov 13, if necessary safety checks are complete, a Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) official said Saturday.
"The Yamuna Bank-Noida City centre section will be inspected by the Commissioner for Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) on Nov 10-11. Subject to receiving the clearance from the CMRS, we plan the ceremonial flag-off in Delhi and Noida areas respectively on Nov 12," the metro official said.
"As per our plans, the section would be opened for general public from Nov 13," the official added.
Last month, the Delhi Metro conducted successful trial runs between Yamuna Bank station in the national capital and 10 newly-built stations in Noida.
The 13.1 km stretch will be integrated with the existing 34.3 km Yamuna Bank-Dwarka Sector-9 section.
The DMRC aims to add nearly 53,000 new passengers daily on this new route.
The newly built stations are Akshardham, Mayur Vihar-I and Mayur Vihar Extension in Delhi and New Ashok Nagar, Noida sector 15, sector 16, sector 18, Botanical Garden, Golf Course and Noida City Centre in Uttar Pradesh.
Parking facility is available at the Akshardham, Botanical Garden and Noida City Centre Metro stations.
The Delhi Metro is set to expand from 75 km to 200 km by opening six new lines on its phase II by October 2010.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Metros-Noida-link-may-start-Nov-13/articleshow/5207153.cms
Delhi Metro's Noida link may be opened to the public Nov 13, if necessary safety checks are complete, a Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) official said Saturday.
"The Yamuna Bank-Noida City centre section will be inspected by the Commissioner for Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) on Nov 10-11. Subject to receiving the clearance from the CMRS, we plan the ceremonial flag-off in Delhi and Noida areas respectively on Nov 12," the metro official said.
"As per our plans, the section would be opened for general public from Nov 13," the official added.
Last month, the Delhi Metro conducted successful trial runs between Yamuna Bank station in the national capital and 10 newly-built stations in Noida.
The 13.1 km stretch will be integrated with the existing 34.3 km Yamuna Bank-Dwarka Sector-9 section.
The DMRC aims to add nearly 53,000 new passengers daily on this new route.
The newly built stations are Akshardham, Mayur Vihar-I and Mayur Vihar Extension in Delhi and New Ashok Nagar, Noida sector 15, sector 16, sector 18, Botanical Garden, Golf Course and Noida City Centre in Uttar Pradesh.
Parking facility is available at the Akshardham, Botanical Garden and Noida City Centre Metro stations.
The Delhi Metro is set to expand from 75 km to 200 km by opening six new lines on its phase II by October 2010.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Metros-Noida-link-may-start-Nov-13/articleshow/5207153.cms
Govt smart move fails to rein in errant autos
Saturday, Nov 07, 2009
The transport department's initiative to issue smart cards for all autorickshaws touted as the only solution to the auto mess in the city may have begun, but this has hardly acted as a deterrent for auto drivers who continue to fleece commuters. Now they are citing the hike in price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for overcharging.
Meanwhile, barely 100 auto drivers are turning up everyday at the auto unit of the Regional Transport Department at Burari for the smart cards, as against the daily target of 500 set by the department. So far, just a little over 1,200 auto drivers have turned up to get the smart cards since the scheme was launched on October 21. The department claims those who don't turn up will get a second chance at the end of the process, failing which they could face cancellation of permits.
Vandana Gupta, a resident of Hauz Khas, said: "On Wednesday, auto drivers came up with a new excuse to charge extra money. I was told that the price of CNG has increased and I should dole out Rs 20 more than the meter fare if I want to hire the auto. There is so much happening for the Commonwealth Games, but why is the government not doing anything on this front.''
For the record, industry estimates suggest that on an average, an auto uses about 4 kg of CNG everyday. The price of CNG has gone up by just 20 paise per kg which translates into a strain of about 80 paise a day for the auto driver. This is hardly a reason to hike fares.
Officials claim that the smart card system has been designed to ensure that each and every auto plying in the city gets a smart card by next February. In batches of about 500 daily, auto owners are called to the autorickshaw unit at Regional Transport Office in Burari to get their papers in order, including details of the drivers, their driving licences and public service badge (PSB) numbers. The details are verified by the transport department and at the end of the exercise, a computerized smart card is issued for the vehicle containing all the details and photographs of the authorized persons for reference of the department and enforcement agencies.
"Since auto owners are called on specific dates worked out on the basis of the series of the vehicle registration number, there is no question of evasion. We plan to take stern action, which may even include cancellation of permits,'' said a senior transport department official.
What about enforcement, especially when auto drivers have no regard for the law? Officials say that no amount of enforcement will show result as the auto problem is one of demand and supply. "The solution is to increase the number of autos in the city, which is being looked into by EPCA. Untill this happens, the problem will remain,'' said an official.
Till August this year, traffic police have booked 5,745 autos and taxis for refusing to go by the meter, overcharging and misbehaviour. About 1,58,136 auto drivers have been prosecuted for various traffic offences up to July 31 this year as against 94,990 during the same period last year. Though police admit that enforcement is not up to the mark, they cite shortage of manpower and problems in the system as major reasons for autos having a free run.
At present, one of the main problems in reigning in errant auto drivers is that nearly 80% of the challans issued never reach the real owners. The reason, say officials of the transport department, lies in the fact that records available with government are outdated. In a majority of cases the details of the real owner of the vehicle are not given to the department to evade prosecution or to facilitate ownership of multiple permits by the same person, who in turn rent out the vehicles to untrained drivers for a daily sum.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Govt-smart-move-fails-to-rein-in-errant-autos/articleshow/5207775.cms
The transport department's initiative to issue smart cards for all autorickshaws touted as the only solution to the auto mess in the city may have begun, but this has hardly acted as a deterrent for auto drivers who continue to fleece commuters. Now they are citing the hike in price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for overcharging.
Meanwhile, barely 100 auto drivers are turning up everyday at the auto unit of the Regional Transport Department at Burari for the smart cards, as against the daily target of 500 set by the department. So far, just a little over 1,200 auto drivers have turned up to get the smart cards since the scheme was launched on October 21. The department claims those who don't turn up will get a second chance at the end of the process, failing which they could face cancellation of permits.
Vandana Gupta, a resident of Hauz Khas, said: "On Wednesday, auto drivers came up with a new excuse to charge extra money. I was told that the price of CNG has increased and I should dole out Rs 20 more than the meter fare if I want to hire the auto. There is so much happening for the Commonwealth Games, but why is the government not doing anything on this front.''
For the record, industry estimates suggest that on an average, an auto uses about 4 kg of CNG everyday. The price of CNG has gone up by just 20 paise per kg which translates into a strain of about 80 paise a day for the auto driver. This is hardly a reason to hike fares.
Officials claim that the smart card system has been designed to ensure that each and every auto plying in the city gets a smart card by next February. In batches of about 500 daily, auto owners are called to the autorickshaw unit at Regional Transport Office in Burari to get their papers in order, including details of the drivers, their driving licences and public service badge (PSB) numbers. The details are verified by the transport department and at the end of the exercise, a computerized smart card is issued for the vehicle containing all the details and photographs of the authorized persons for reference of the department and enforcement agencies.
"Since auto owners are called on specific dates worked out on the basis of the series of the vehicle registration number, there is no question of evasion. We plan to take stern action, which may even include cancellation of permits,'' said a senior transport department official.
What about enforcement, especially when auto drivers have no regard for the law? Officials say that no amount of enforcement will show result as the auto problem is one of demand and supply. "The solution is to increase the number of autos in the city, which is being looked into by EPCA. Untill this happens, the problem will remain,'' said an official.
Till August this year, traffic police have booked 5,745 autos and taxis for refusing to go by the meter, overcharging and misbehaviour. About 1,58,136 auto drivers have been prosecuted for various traffic offences up to July 31 this year as against 94,990 during the same period last year. Though police admit that enforcement is not up to the mark, they cite shortage of manpower and problems in the system as major reasons for autos having a free run.
At present, one of the main problems in reigning in errant auto drivers is that nearly 80% of the challans issued never reach the real owners. The reason, say officials of the transport department, lies in the fact that records available with government are outdated. In a majority of cases the details of the real owner of the vehicle are not given to the department to evade prosecution or to facilitate ownership of multiple permits by the same person, who in turn rent out the vehicles to untrained drivers for a daily sum.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Govt-smart-move-fails-to-rein-in-errant-autos/articleshow/5207775.cms
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
DMRC told to stop work on HC parking
Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009
The New Delhi Municipal Council has issued a `stop work' notice to DMRC for the ongoing construction of the underground parking lot
for Delhi High Court next to National Stadium. As reported by TOI, the notice was issued after NDMC made it clear that no work on any site can take place without the necessary sanctions. In this case, HC took no clearances from the heritage conservation committee or Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC).
A 16th century tomb from Sher Shah's period, which was recently notified by Delhi government under NDMC heritage list, is located in the complex where the parking lot is proposed to come up. Conservationists expressed concern that massive digging and construction work near the monument could damage its foundation. NDMC told DMRC that all construction on the premises had to stop as the building permit had not been obtained. Action could, otherwise, be initiated under prevailing laws.
"We have received the letter and are looking into it,'' said a DMRC spokesperson.
Experts said the onus of getting necessary clearances for the work lay with the land allottee Delhi High Court, but approvals were neither sought nor given. The high court had made DMRC the executing agency for the project and authorised them to submit all documents on it's behalf.
"The project never came to DUAC for approval,'' said K T Ravindran, chairman of DUAC. Added AGK Menon, member of the heritage conservation committee: "HC is required to take permission from the heritage conservation committee before any construction work and it will have to apply. We will ask for a conservation report. We need to know how sensitive the client is about preserving the tomb as we will not allow anyone to meddle with it.''
Monday, October 26, 2009
HC multi-level parking hits heritage hurdle
Monday, Oct 26, 2009
A multi-level parking lot for Delhi High Court lawyers coming up next to the National Stadium has run into trouble with NDMC's heritage wing. The civic agency says it is likely to stop the ongoing construction work as a heritage structure a 16th century tomb stands right in the middle of the frenzied construction activity. Now that listed NDMC heritage sites have been notified, any development work around these sites require approval of the heritage conservation committee. Officials said it is Delhi High Court which will need to get the approval.
The tomb, dating back to Sher Shah's period, stands on a raised platform at the construction site where DMRC is building the three-storeyed parking lot under a contract agreement with Delhi High Court. A senior NDMC official said: "The land allotee Delhi High Court will have to re-apply for permission to build the parking lot as under the recently notified NDMC heritage list, any redevelopment plans around these listed structures would require approval from the heritage conservation committee. No approvals have been granted here.''
DMRC officials, meanwhile, said that the land was transferred from LNDO to Delhi High Court for construction of a parking lot and they were merely the contractors for the project. "In any case, the monument does not fall in the construction zone,'' said an official. K C Mittal, former president of Delhi High Court Bar Association under whose tenure the parking lot project started, said: "The monument where the parking lot is coming up is unprotected. Both ASI and the central vista committee have given permission for the work so there is no problem. The monument is in a small portion and no one will touch it. The surrounding area will also be beautified. This parking lot is all underground and there is no construction on the surface level.'' Conservationists, however, claimed that with the construction of a three-storeyed underground parking lot, the foundation of the monument could be damaged.
Sources said that Delhi High Court was earlier refused permission for the parking lot by the heritage conservation committee. It did not re-apply. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has given an NOC for the project which falls in the regulated area for the Sher Shah Gate. It has also imposed a condition that the monument has be carefully preserved. "The site is located within 200m of Purana Qila, a regulated zone. We have given permission but put conditions that the monument at the site remains undamaged and the agency constructing the parking lot will conserve the monument under the guidance of ASI if required. Our permission could be withdrawn if any of the terms of our agreement are violated,'' said a senior ASI official.
Interestingly, the monument also figures in the list of monuments to be notified by Delhi government's state department of archaeology. "The monument is yet to be notified and is under process. Notification should be done in the next few weeks. When it was brought to our knowledge that development work is going on near this tomb, we visited the site to ensure that the portion around the monument is kept as it is. A joint meeting will be held with ASI and DMRC in this regard,'' said a senior official from the department. Officials said that they would monitor the work to ensure that adequate distance is kept between the monument and the construction. "Otherwise after the notification, we can take action under the Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2004,'' said an official.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/HC-multi-level-parking-hits-heritage-hurdle/articleshow/5161422.cms
A multi-level parking lot for Delhi High Court lawyers coming up next to the National Stadium has run into trouble with NDMC's heritage wing. The civic agency says it is likely to stop the ongoing construction work as a heritage structure a 16th century tomb stands right in the middle of the frenzied construction activity. Now that listed NDMC heritage sites have been notified, any development work around these sites require approval of the heritage conservation committee. Officials said it is Delhi High Court which will need to get the approval.
The tomb, dating back to Sher Shah's period, stands on a raised platform at the construction site where DMRC is building the three-storeyed parking lot under a contract agreement with Delhi High Court. A senior NDMC official said: "The land allotee Delhi High Court will have to re-apply for permission to build the parking lot as under the recently notified NDMC heritage list, any redevelopment plans around these listed structures would require approval from the heritage conservation committee. No approvals have been granted here.''
DMRC officials, meanwhile, said that the land was transferred from LNDO to Delhi High Court for construction of a parking lot and they were merely the contractors for the project. "In any case, the monument does not fall in the construction zone,'' said an official. K C Mittal, former president of Delhi High Court Bar Association under whose tenure the parking lot project started, said: "The monument where the parking lot is coming up is unprotected. Both ASI and the central vista committee have given permission for the work so there is no problem. The monument is in a small portion and no one will touch it. The surrounding area will also be beautified. This parking lot is all underground and there is no construction on the surface level.'' Conservationists, however, claimed that with the construction of a three-storeyed underground parking lot, the foundation of the monument could be damaged.
Sources said that Delhi High Court was earlier refused permission for the parking lot by the heritage conservation committee. It did not re-apply. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has given an NOC for the project which falls in the regulated area for the Sher Shah Gate. It has also imposed a condition that the monument has be carefully preserved. "The site is located within 200m of Purana Qila, a regulated zone. We have given permission but put conditions that the monument at the site remains undamaged and the agency constructing the parking lot will conserve the monument under the guidance of ASI if required. Our permission could be withdrawn if any of the terms of our agreement are violated,'' said a senior ASI official.
Interestingly, the monument also figures in the list of monuments to be notified by Delhi government's state department of archaeology. "The monument is yet to be notified and is under process. Notification should be done in the next few weeks. When it was brought to our knowledge that development work is going on near this tomb, we visited the site to ensure that the portion around the monument is kept as it is. A joint meeting will be held with ASI and DMRC in this regard,'' said a senior official from the department. Officials said that they would monitor the work to ensure that adequate distance is kept between the monument and the construction. "Otherwise after the notification, we can take action under the Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2004,'' said an official.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/HC-multi-level-parking-hits-heritage-hurdle/articleshow/5161422.cms
Soon, cycle tracks on big roads
Sunday, Oct 25, 2009
Soon, Delhi will have dedicated cycle tracks on all major roads leading to Commonwealth Games venues. In an attempt to encourage non-motorised transportation modes, Delhi government has decided to construct cycle tracks on the roads so that tourists and other spectators can cycle to the venues during the mega sporting event. Emphasis will also be laid on pedestrianisation.
Walking and cycling are the preferred modes of commuting within the city for a large percentage of Delhiites. While the cycle tracks will be made along the approach roads to stadia and the Games Village, there are plans of making cycle tracks all along the city's roads after the Games.
Said chief secretary Rakesh Mehta: "We want to make the area around the venues and the Games Village pedestrian-friendly. At least 30%-40% of Delhi's population walk and proper footpaths are a requirement. We also want to create cycle tracks which we would like to extend to the rest of the city after the Games taking into consideration views of other stakeholders.'' For the time-being the cycle tracks will be created along the 4-5 km road length leading up to stadia like Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Siri Fort Sports Complex, Yamuna Sports Complex, Indira Gandhi Stadium, National Stadium, Thyagaraj Stadium, Chattrasal Stadium etc.
All three agencies MCD, PWD, NDMC have appointed consultants for carrying out the work of streetscaping and making Delhi pedestrian-friendly and creating cycle tracks is part of this project.
Said Pradeep Sachdeva, who has been hired as a consultant for PWD: "Usage of non-motorised vehicles needs to be encouraged in the city and we will be creating proper footpaths and cycle tracks along Lodhi Road, Bhishm Pitamah Marg, Stadium Marg etc. Sculptures and other art forms will be included as part of the streetscaping work to increase aesthetic appeal of the city.'' According to PWD officials, the combined cost of carrying out streetsacping work in MCD and PWD areas is Rs 350 crore. While NDMC and PWD have begun with streetscaping work, MCD is yet to do so.
One of the few other roads in the city with operational cycle tracks running through the length of the stretch is the pilot BRT corridor from Ambedkar Nagar to Delhi Gate. Even though the cycle tracks are well designed and used by scores of cyclists everyday, main problem is that of encroachment. Near Madangir, for instance, the cycle tracks and even footpaths are encroached by unauthorised parking of cars and even by Blueline buses. As a result, the cyclists are forced to fight for space with traffic on the main road.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Soon-cycle-tracks-on-big-roads/articleshow/5160905.cms
Soon, Delhi will have dedicated cycle tracks on all major roads leading to Commonwealth Games venues. In an attempt to encourage non-motorised transportation modes, Delhi government has decided to construct cycle tracks on the roads so that tourists and other spectators can cycle to the venues during the mega sporting event. Emphasis will also be laid on pedestrianisation.
Walking and cycling are the preferred modes of commuting within the city for a large percentage of Delhiites. While the cycle tracks will be made along the approach roads to stadia and the Games Village, there are plans of making cycle tracks all along the city's roads after the Games.
Said chief secretary Rakesh Mehta: "We want to make the area around the venues and the Games Village pedestrian-friendly. At least 30%-40% of Delhi's population walk and proper footpaths are a requirement. We also want to create cycle tracks which we would like to extend to the rest of the city after the Games taking into consideration views of other stakeholders.'' For the time-being the cycle tracks will be created along the 4-5 km road length leading up to stadia like Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Siri Fort Sports Complex, Yamuna Sports Complex, Indira Gandhi Stadium, National Stadium, Thyagaraj Stadium, Chattrasal Stadium etc.
All three agencies MCD, PWD, NDMC have appointed consultants for carrying out the work of streetscaping and making Delhi pedestrian-friendly and creating cycle tracks is part of this project.
Said Pradeep Sachdeva, who has been hired as a consultant for PWD: "Usage of non-motorised vehicles needs to be encouraged in the city and we will be creating proper footpaths and cycle tracks along Lodhi Road, Bhishm Pitamah Marg, Stadium Marg etc. Sculptures and other art forms will be included as part of the streetscaping work to increase aesthetic appeal of the city.'' According to PWD officials, the combined cost of carrying out streetsacping work in MCD and PWD areas is Rs 350 crore. While NDMC and PWD have begun with streetscaping work, MCD is yet to do so.
One of the few other roads in the city with operational cycle tracks running through the length of the stretch is the pilot BRT corridor from Ambedkar Nagar to Delhi Gate. Even though the cycle tracks are well designed and used by scores of cyclists everyday, main problem is that of encroachment. Near Madangir, for instance, the cycle tracks and even footpaths are encroached by unauthorised parking of cars and even by Blueline buses. As a result, the cyclists are forced to fight for space with traffic on the main road.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Soon-cycle-tracks-on-big-roads/articleshow/5160905.cms
Delhi Metro has to clear clogged roads by Nov 30
Sunday, Oct 25, 2009
By November 30, driving through the heart of the city will get easier because Delhi Metro has been asked to clear barricades and construction material and equipment from roads such as Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Ram Manohar Lohia hospital, Ridge Road, Dhaula Kuan, National Highway-8, Tughlaq Road, Humayun Road and Krishi Bhawan roundabout.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has contended that construction of the new lines is nearing completion and it is trying to clear the roads. But the Capital's residents will get a respite only by the new year.
Roughly a fortnight ago, Delhi traffic police shot off letters to project managers of all the lines operating in the New Delhi area, asking that the roads be cleared because permission to divert traffic would run out on November 30.
"We wrote to DMRC to clear the roads as the diversions are causing a lot of inconvenience to the general public. The traffic pattern in the area has got disturbed, leading to massive congestion in the area. The works should have been planned to ensure that the permission time doesn't get overshot. We are hoping they will expedite the process,'' said Suvashish Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner of Police (traffic), New Delhi range.
DMRC officials say they have started to clear the roads. But it could take longer than the deadline. The first set of roads to be cleared will be those on which the Airport Express Line is coming up.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-Metro-has-to-clear-clogged-roads-by-Nov-30/articleshow/5158318.cms
By November 30, driving through the heart of the city will get easier because Delhi Metro has been asked to clear barricades and construction material and equipment from roads such as Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Ram Manohar Lohia hospital, Ridge Road, Dhaula Kuan, National Highway-8, Tughlaq Road, Humayun Road and Krishi Bhawan roundabout.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has contended that construction of the new lines is nearing completion and it is trying to clear the roads. But the Capital's residents will get a respite only by the new year.
Roughly a fortnight ago, Delhi traffic police shot off letters to project managers of all the lines operating in the New Delhi area, asking that the roads be cleared because permission to divert traffic would run out on November 30.
"We wrote to DMRC to clear the roads as the diversions are causing a lot of inconvenience to the general public. The traffic pattern in the area has got disturbed, leading to massive congestion in the area. The works should have been planned to ensure that the permission time doesn't get overshot. We are hoping they will expedite the process,'' said Suvashish Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner of Police (traffic), New Delhi range.
DMRC officials say they have started to clear the roads. But it could take longer than the deadline. The first set of roads to be cleared will be those on which the Airport Express Line is coming up.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-Metro-has-to-clear-clogged-roads-by-Nov-30/articleshow/5158318.cms
Talk and lose driving licence
Saturday, Oct 24, 2009
The next time you speed dial your boss while driving, watch out. The traffic policeman would no longer stop and fine you for dangerous driving as he does at present, but would book you as an offender under a brand new section of the Motor Vehicles Act.
In fact, repeat offenders can expect to say goodbye to their licence for six months.
The Centre plans to amend the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) of 1988 by introducing strict penal provisions. And to do that, it will start by adding the new Section 183-A to the MVA to define what a mobile phone is and also specifying penalties for talking on the phone while driving.
The new section will also make texting and reading messages an offence.
This comes just a day after 30 passengers had a providential escape after the DTC bus they were travelling in fell into a ditch as the driver-who was talking on the phone while driving-could not control the bus. A senior police officer said: "The incident took place around 3.30 pm on Thursday. Passengers claimed that the accident took place as the driver was talking on the mobile phone while driving. A case of negligence was registered against the driver and he was arrested."
At present, the Delhi Police book drivers talking on mobile phones under Section 184 of the MVA and impose a penalty of Rs 1,000 for dangerous driving. Some states follow the provision of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, under which talking on the mobile phone attracts penalties from Rs 100 to Rs 300.
Delhi's traffic police have booked 10,000 drivers this year till October 15. S.N. Shrivastava, joint commissioner of police (traffic), said: "Talking on mobile while driving is dangerous. Several accidents have occurred because of this. Even talking with hands-free or with the speaker on is dangerous." He said the challan amount is too low to act as a credible deterrent.
"As of now, we prosecute vehicle owners under related clauses of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. We are happy a committee has been constituted to review the MV Act and we would like the challan amounts to be high enough to act as a deterrent."
Acting on recommendations of a parliamentary committee on petitions, the Union road and surface transport ministry has decided that the first three offences would attract a monetary penalty, while the fourth and fifth offence would invite a fine as well as a negative entry on the driving licence. A sixth offence would mean that your licence is suspended for up to six months.
Sources said the ministry was ready with a new notification, but a new committee was set up last week under former transport secretary S. Sunder to propose more changes in the MVA. The committee on petitions said: "The idea behind making such a recommendation is to strengthen provisions so that it could have a salutary effect on the offenders. The committee also recommends that the term "mobile phone" should be explicitly defined in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, in such a way that the use of mobile in any form or manner while driving is covered."
India has over 450 million cell phone connections, mostly in urban areas. Controlling it could be tough, but figures indicate the Delhi Police challaned 3,899 motorists in 2005. In 2008, that number rose 18,057.
Among other user-friendly measures to amend the MVA is a provision to make staking claims in the case of an accident easier.
Sources said accident tribunals will now provide interim relief of up to Rs 1 lakh in the case of death, and Rs 50,000 in case of permanent disability within three months of a claim being filed. This amount can be deducted later when the case is decided.
In another major move, driving licence applicants need no longer give a test to any transport authority official to obtain the document if the applicant produces a certificate from an authorised driving school or any government- recognised automobile association.
The committee could also recommend suspension of a driver's licence if he fails a breathalyser test. This could reduce, police sources said, the number of drunk driving cases in the Capital and in the NCR.
Original news source http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/67630/LATEST%20NEWS/Talk+and+lose+driving+licence.html
The next time you speed dial your boss while driving, watch out. The traffic policeman would no longer stop and fine you for dangerous driving as he does at present, but would book you as an offender under a brand new section of the Motor Vehicles Act.
In fact, repeat offenders can expect to say goodbye to their licence for six months.
The Centre plans to amend the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) of 1988 by introducing strict penal provisions. And to do that, it will start by adding the new Section 183-A to the MVA to define what a mobile phone is and also specifying penalties for talking on the phone while driving.
The new section will also make texting and reading messages an offence.
This comes just a day after 30 passengers had a providential escape after the DTC bus they were travelling in fell into a ditch as the driver-who was talking on the phone while driving-could not control the bus. A senior police officer said: "The incident took place around 3.30 pm on Thursday. Passengers claimed that the accident took place as the driver was talking on the mobile phone while driving. A case of negligence was registered against the driver and he was arrested."
At present, the Delhi Police book drivers talking on mobile phones under Section 184 of the MVA and impose a penalty of Rs 1,000 for dangerous driving. Some states follow the provision of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, under which talking on the mobile phone attracts penalties from Rs 100 to Rs 300.
Delhi's traffic police have booked 10,000 drivers this year till October 15. S.N. Shrivastava, joint commissioner of police (traffic), said: "Talking on mobile while driving is dangerous. Several accidents have occurred because of this. Even talking with hands-free or with the speaker on is dangerous." He said the challan amount is too low to act as a credible deterrent.
"As of now, we prosecute vehicle owners under related clauses of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. We are happy a committee has been constituted to review the MV Act and we would like the challan amounts to be high enough to act as a deterrent."
Acting on recommendations of a parliamentary committee on petitions, the Union road and surface transport ministry has decided that the first three offences would attract a monetary penalty, while the fourth and fifth offence would invite a fine as well as a negative entry on the driving licence. A sixth offence would mean that your licence is suspended for up to six months.
Sources said the ministry was ready with a new notification, but a new committee was set up last week under former transport secretary S. Sunder to propose more changes in the MVA. The committee on petitions said: "The idea behind making such a recommendation is to strengthen provisions so that it could have a salutary effect on the offenders. The committee also recommends that the term "mobile phone" should be explicitly defined in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, in such a way that the use of mobile in any form or manner while driving is covered."
India has over 450 million cell phone connections, mostly in urban areas. Controlling it could be tough, but figures indicate the Delhi Police challaned 3,899 motorists in 2005. In 2008, that number rose 18,057.
Among other user-friendly measures to amend the MVA is a provision to make staking claims in the case of an accident easier.
Sources said accident tribunals will now provide interim relief of up to Rs 1 lakh in the case of death, and Rs 50,000 in case of permanent disability within three months of a claim being filed. This amount can be deducted later when the case is decided.
In another major move, driving licence applicants need no longer give a test to any transport authority official to obtain the document if the applicant produces a certificate from an authorised driving school or any government- recognised automobile association.
The committee could also recommend suspension of a driver's licence if he fails a breathalyser test. This could reduce, police sources said, the number of drunk driving cases in the Capital and in the NCR.
Original news source http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/67630/LATEST%20NEWS/Talk+and+lose+driving+licence.html
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Metro may inaugurate Yamuna Bank-Noida corridor in November
Thursday, Oct 22, 2009
Delhi Metro may inaugurate the much awaited Yamuna Bank-Noida corridor in November, a month ahead of the revised schedule, with trail runs expected to start next week on the 13.1 km line.
"The trial runs on Yamuna Bank-Noida line till Sector 16 (Noida) are expected to start next week. The trial runs on the rest of the line, till Sector 32, are expected in the first week of November," a DMRC spokesman said.
The 13.1 km corridor linking the national capital with its satellite city of Noida was rescheduled for opening in the first week of December 2009.
"However, huge rush is expected during the India International Trade Fair which will start from 14th November 2009 at Pragati Maidan and keeping this in view, the Delhi Metro is trying to open the Yamuna Bank-Noida line around the time of the trade fair," the spokesman said.
He, however, added that the final opening date of this line will depend upon the successful completion of the trails and clearance by the Commissioner for Metro Railway Safety.
Metro trial runs involve the train's performance and integration with system equipments such as signalling, telecom and platforms.
The DMRC decided to postpone the inauguration till December due to non-availability of new metro coaches as the inspection was being conducted by Sirish and Patel Associates on the line.
The opening of the line will result in a paradigm shift in the travel habits of millions of people in the National Capital Region. This will be the first time Metro will cross the Delhi border.
Decks were cleared for the DMRC to cross Delhi and enter NCR when Parliament passed a Bill to give legal cover for construction, operation and maintenance of the metro rail system in the National Capital Region and other metro cities.
Delhi Metro began the trial runs on the Yamuna Bank-Noida corridor on July 26 with the train running till New Ashok Nagar station.
With the opening of the section, Line III will comprise a total of 42 stations and its length will increase to 47.2 kms. There are 10 stations in the 13.1 km section, out of which four fall within Delhi while six stations fall in Noida in UP.
The upcoming Metro stations on the much awaited Noida corridor will have a completely new and modern look. The exterior of the station will be made using a special technique called ACP (Aluminium Composite Panel).
This technique is mostly used in the exterior portion of malls and other modern buildings to provide an aesthetic and modern look. The stations have been designed using a post modern architectural approach and they have been designed keeping in mind the international appeal of the Delhi Metro.
Parking facility has been provided at all stations uptill New Ashok Nagar and in Noida at Botanical Garden and Noida City Centre Metro stations.
Original news source http://www.zeenews.com/news572732.html
Delhi Metro may inaugurate the much awaited Yamuna Bank-Noida corridor in November, a month ahead of the revised schedule, with trail runs expected to start next week on the 13.1 km line.
"The trial runs on Yamuna Bank-Noida line till Sector 16 (Noida) are expected to start next week. The trial runs on the rest of the line, till Sector 32, are expected in the first week of November," a DMRC spokesman said.
The 13.1 km corridor linking the national capital with its satellite city of Noida was rescheduled for opening in the first week of December 2009.
"However, huge rush is expected during the India International Trade Fair which will start from 14th November 2009 at Pragati Maidan and keeping this in view, the Delhi Metro is trying to open the Yamuna Bank-Noida line around the time of the trade fair," the spokesman said.
He, however, added that the final opening date of this line will depend upon the successful completion of the trails and clearance by the Commissioner for Metro Railway Safety.
Metro trial runs involve the train's performance and integration with system equipments such as signalling, telecom and platforms.
The DMRC decided to postpone the inauguration till December due to non-availability of new metro coaches as the inspection was being conducted by Sirish and Patel Associates on the line.
The opening of the line will result in a paradigm shift in the travel habits of millions of people in the National Capital Region. This will be the first time Metro will cross the Delhi border.
Decks were cleared for the DMRC to cross Delhi and enter NCR when Parliament passed a Bill to give legal cover for construction, operation and maintenance of the metro rail system in the National Capital Region and other metro cities.
Delhi Metro began the trial runs on the Yamuna Bank-Noida corridor on July 26 with the train running till New Ashok Nagar station.
With the opening of the section, Line III will comprise a total of 42 stations and its length will increase to 47.2 kms. There are 10 stations in the 13.1 km section, out of which four fall within Delhi while six stations fall in Noida in UP.
The upcoming Metro stations on the much awaited Noida corridor will have a completely new and modern look. The exterior of the station will be made using a special technique called ACP (Aluminium Composite Panel).
This technique is mostly used in the exterior portion of malls and other modern buildings to provide an aesthetic and modern look. The stations have been designed using a post modern architectural approach and they have been designed keeping in mind the international appeal of the Delhi Metro.
Parking facility has been provided at all stations uptill New Ashok Nagar and in Noida at Botanical Garden and Noida City Centre Metro stations.
Original news source http://www.zeenews.com/news572732.html
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Three months for Delhi’s traffic signals to be upgraded
Sunday, Oct 18, 2009
Around 70 traffic signals go on the blink in the Indian capital every day, leading to massive traffic snarls. And motorists may have to sweat it out for at least three more months as new contracts for maintaining these signals will not come into force before that.
The firms that win the bids will have to bring in new technology and upgradation systems and will face stiff penalties if they fail, say Delhi Police who award the contracts.
There are around 725 traffic signals and 435 blinkers in the capital, of which 350 are being maintained and serviced by the firm CMS Traffic Sytems Ltd. The remaining are taken care of by Keltron. They have done so for 20 years.
"Their performance has not been up to the mark. They have not been able to manage the existing signals. We are in the process of replacing them and for that bids have been invited," Joint Commissioner of Police S.N. Srivastava told IANS.
Traffic signals regularly go on the blink because of power failure, waterlogging and construction work.
Though Delhi Police should have invited the tenders two-three months ago - the contract of both the companies ended in the first week of October - the technical bids only closed Oct 5. Five companies, including CMS, Keltron, Onyx, Insta Power and Bharat Electrical Limited came forward and gave presentations before the police. However, Insta Power later pulled out of the race.
The contract for the next two years will also cover the installation of new signals and blinkers. Some of the requisites in the tender are the installation of Light Emission Diodes (LEDs) on signals or blinkers, the conversion of existing LED-based traffic light signals into solar signals, the installation of auditory signals and automatic signal monitoring systems.
"The decision of awarding this contract will take a month. But it will take another two-three months before the contracted company takes up the work. All the companies are promising the induction of new technology and upgradation of existing infrastructure," a senior traffic police official confided to IANS.
"The tender should have been floated earlier, but it is being done now at a good pace, keeping the Commonwealth Games in mind," the officer added.
At present, the contract has been extended to the existing agencies. Delhi has a vehicle population of nearly 5.5 million and some two million vehicles pass through the capital every day. CMS maintains signals in south, southwest, central, and New Delhi areas; Keltron is in charge of northeast, east, north and northwest Delhi. Each firm has placed one van for each district.
"We generally get around 70 calls every day related to problems with traffic signals. Our team reaches there the same day to attend to it, but the resolution time varies depending on the nature of the problem," CMS spokesman Rajesh Khanna told IANS.
On an average, 30-40 traffic signals are not repaired on the same day.
"It would be unfair to say that the failure of traffic signals causes jams in the city. Waterlogging and a very high number of vehicles are the root causes," he said.
Khanna also said all existing infrastructure has become obsolete and Delhi Police should float a separate tender to upgrade it.
Delhi Police have decided to enforce some control over maintenance companies by making significant changes in the clauses of the contract that will be awarded.
"A penalty of five percent of the total bill amount was being imposed on the maintenance agency. But in the new contract, the clause has been strengthened with heftier fines and even blacklisting. These agencies will be forced to set the signals right in order to avoid penalties," said another senior official.
According to the new agreement, all minor faults have to be corrected within six hours of receipt of complaints and for all major problems, the deadline is two days. If any signal remains non-functional for over five days, traffic police will not pay any maintenance charge for it. Once the five-day period lapses, a penalty of Rs.500 per day will be charged.
Original news source http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/health/three-months-for-delhis-traffic-signals-to-be-upgraded_100262290.html#ixzz0USWk4JPp
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Delhi traffic cops to get flashers, blinkers for bikes
Wednesday, Oct 07, 2009
With an aim to make Delhi Traffic Police motorcycles more visible on the city roads, the department has decided to fit them with flashers and blinkers, a police official said Wednesday.
"We have 410 Bajaj-Pulsar motorbikes which chase and prosecute for violations of traffic rules and regulations. They are always mobile and their presence has helped a lot in terms of streamlining traffic and catching offenders. So we have decided to fit them with flashers and blinkers," Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) S.N. Srivastva told IANS.
"These flashers and blinkers are like beacon and have blue lights. These would be visible from a long distance," he said.
The chase and 'challan' (prosecute) scheme was launched last year and so far police have fined 865,000 people.
Original news source http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/delhi-traffic-cops-to-get-flashers-blinkers-for-bikes_100257447.html#ixzz0TKXP2fRK
Monday, October 5, 2009
Now, third model for BRT corridor
Tuesday, Oct 06, 2009
Even as the fate of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor from Ambedkar Nagar to Delhi Gate remains uncertain, the government has finalized a third design for the next corridor being planned in northeast Delhi from Shastri Park to Karawal Nagar.
This time, the government has come up with a new model in which buses in both the directions will run on one side of the existing road. Sources said this will help provide an exclusive passage for buses without disturbing traffic on the main road.
In the new model, the existing road will not be disturbed. The 15-km stretch from Shastri Park to Karawal Nagar runs along Yamuna Pushta, where the land is largely for agricultural use. The plan is to widen the road from this side by about 8 metres and construct a dedicated corridor for buses on one side of the road. By doing this, the problems faced in the existing corridor traffic snarls due to road space being eaten into by the dedicated bus lane in the first model (Pilot A from Ambedkar Nagar to Moolchand) and then conflict of vehicles turning into establishments along both sides of the corridor in Pilot B (Moolchand to Delhi Gate) will not be encountered.
After burning its fingers with two BRT different models on the pilot corridor, in which buses run on the extreme right (Pilot A) and extreme left lane (Pilot B) of the main road, the government has decided not to go ahead with either for the next BRT corridor. "The new model will have the bus lanes on the side of the road where there is no habitation,'' said an official.
The new model will be a close-loop BRT, where the transport department will have the advantage of adding as many buses as possible. The bus lane will be created by widening the existing road. Also, footpaths will be redone and cycle tracks will be added. The transport department anticipates problems at three intersections Khajuri Khas, Shastri Park and Bhajanpura during construction, which will also get sorted out once the bus lane is constructed. The corridor will have 30 bus stops and there is a proposal to extend it to Bhajanpura and Gandhi Nagar. The corridor will also have automated ticketing at all bus shelters.
The major difference in this corridor and the existing one is the population demographics of the road. According to a survey, the share of non-motorized vehicles like cycles and cycle rickshaws is as high a 53.8% here, while the share of private cars ranges between 12-16%. The number of two wheelers (seen as prospective bus users) is also very high as it ranges between 21.8 and 42.5% on the road. The survey took into account traffic on Gandhi Nagar Road, GT Road, Shastri Park-ISBT Road, Yamuna Marginal Bund Road and Wazirabad Road.
A detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared by DIMTS and sent to the government for sanction of funds. The cost of the new BRT model has been worked out to Rs 20 crore per kilometre, including all the systems, which is about the same as the existing models. Sources said the corridor will become operational only after the Commonwealth Games.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/delhi/Now-third-model-for-BRT-corridor/articleshow/5091610.cms
Safdarjung airport to cut parking woes
Tuesday, Oct 06, 2009
The New Delhi Municipal Council will soon begin work on developing a temporary park-and-ride facility for over 9,000 vehicles at the Safdarjung Airport to tide over projected parking problems during Commonwealth Games. Through a dedicated route, the airport will be directly connected to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, officials said.
A proposal to this effect was granted administrative approval at a meeting of the civic body last week. According to officials, the Rs 40-crore project was also approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The plan, to be implemented in consultation with the Airports Authority of India, mainly involves developing a parking lot for 3,000 cars, 6,000 two-wheelers, and 450 buses, besides laying new roads within the airport premises.
Once the project is completed, people will be able to park their vehicles at Connaught place, Safdarjung aerodrome, Vivek Vihar and Lodhi Road, among other places.
"The aerodrome will be used to park VIP vehicles, vehicles belonging to members of the Games organising committee and athletes' buses, among others," an official said.
Considering security issues related to the Games, NDMC will also install closed-circuit television cameras across the 1,70,000 square metres of the parking area.
According to sources, the Delhi government has approved the cost of the project but is yet to release funds to NDMC. The civic body, however, has decided to begin work in "anticipation of the release of funds" since there's very little time left for executing the project, an official said.
Besides providing parking facilities, the civic body will also take up work related to widening and resurfacing of several nearby roads and improvement of walkways, according to officials. Roads around the airport — like Nazaf Khan Road and airport service roads on both sides of the Safdarjung flyover — will also be widened by the civic body.
New and modern signage will be installed in and around the airport to give the area a slight makeover. According to officials, the project includes installation of jersey barriers between the main tarmac and parking area; provision of water, sewerage and electricity supply for the parking area; construction of new gates. Improvement of existing gates of the parking area and construction of public conveniences, information centres are also part of the project, officials said.
While NDMC has decided to open separate tenders for facilities like utility structures and CCTVs, tender for the parking facility has been awarded to a company M/s KR Anand. After the Games, the parking area, temporary utility structures and newly constructed gates will be razed and it will be restored to its original state, officials said.
Original news source http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/safdarjung-airport-to-cut-parking-woes/525450/
Friday, October 2, 2009
Project to decongest Minto Road traffic
Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009
With a view to decongesting heavy traffic around the Civic Centre in Minto Road in the capital, the government has approved an ambitious project under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
Termed as Traffic Management Plan, the Rs 97.16 crores project will ease traffic congestion in the area around Civic Centre.
The project, sanctioned by the Urban Development Ministry, will be implemented by the MCD and is expected to be completed in two years.
Original news source http://www.ptinews.com/news/307757_Project-to-decongest-Minto-Road-traffic
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Delhi roads to be built up with international technology
Tuesday, Sep 29, 2009
All roads in the national capital will be built up using international technology before the beginning of 2010 Commonwealth Games (CWG), Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Rajkumar Chauhan said Tuesday.
"Special attention is being paid to the roads which are around the places where the games would be held," Chauhan said, while inaugurating the work using "recycling and micro surfacing method" in south Delhi.
"A total of 242 km of Delhi roads are being built up with the new technique, which will cost around Rs.2 billion (Rs.200 crore)," he added. The work will be finished by June 2010.
In the recycling method, about 70 per cent of the available material in the road is used and only about 30 per cent material is added to fill the gaps that occur due to wear and tear and atmospheric action on the road over a period of time.
"It is purely an eco-friendly technique and consumes less material. The thickness raised is only 10 to 15 mm. Life of such treated roads is claimed to be 5 to 7 years," Chauhan said, according to an official statement here.
In micro surfacing technique, cold bitumen emulsion is mixed with fine stone aggregates whose mix is then spread over minor cracks in the road surface.
"Life of the road by this method is increased to 2-3 years. In this technology, the thickness added to the existing surface is almost nil. The roads built by micro surfacing will be waterproof," the statement cited the minister as saying.
Original news source http://blog.taragana.com/n/delhi-roads-to-be-built-up-with-international-technology-180667/
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Indian government to use Facebook, Twitter to curb road accidents
Monday, Sep 28, 2009
Social networking sites Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and even blogs will be made use of by the Indian government to spread the message of safe driving, transport officials said Monday.
"For generating mass awareness about road safety, apart from using traditional media tools, modern web-based social networking tools will be used to spread knowledge of road safety," K.K. Kapila, vice chairman of the International Road Federation (IRF), said in a statement.
We have developed videos on safe driving and other aspects of road safety. We plan to put them up on YouTube to cater to the growing number of people whose first choice to find information is to go online, Kapila added.
India's road transport and highways ministry and IRF last week launched a national campaign to reduce road accidents by 50 percent by 2012.
Road safety is a community effort. We will seek additional ideas on tackling areas like aggressive driving, drug-driving as well as continuing to look for new approaches to saving lives by targeting speed and young drivers, Kapila said.
The ministry says over 100,000 people are killed in road accidents in India every year. On an average, 313 persons die every day on Indian roads — and this number is on the rise.
India accounts for nearly 10 percent of 1.3 million road accident deaths worldwide each year.
Original news source http://blog.taragana.com/n/india-to-use-facebook-twitter-to-curb-road-accidents-second-lead-180291/
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Behind BRT, trail of signal failure
Friday, Sep 25, 2009
Even before lane segregation is enforced, driving through Pilot B of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor from Moolchand to Delhi Gate has become a pain for motorists several traffic signals on the way have not been functioning since December last year. Since Mathura Road and Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg are busy arteries, the situation at the intersections is chaotic even during non-peak hours. The traffic police say the signals are being redone for BRT.
Home minister P Chidambaram's remarks on making Delhi, particularly its roads, safer don't seem to hold much meaning for the officials as just four out of 11 signals on the entire stretch are functioning, exposing pedestrians and motorists alike to a huge risk. Since mid-2008 when Delhi government decided to shift the bus lanes to the extreme left in Pilot B and also alter the signalling system of the under-construction corridor accordingly, only four of the 11 signals on the stretch have been redone.
At three other important intersections Delhi Gate, ITO and Mathura Road-Tilak Marg crossings the old signals are still working. At the rest of the intersections, half the signal poles have been uprooted even as their replacements are yet to come. At other intersections like the one near Pragati Maidan freshly painted new signal poles have been put up, but the LED lights are missing.
The signal near Khooni Darwaza has not been working for almost a year now. This has been pointed out by TOI earlier too but to no avail. "There is a U-turn at the crossing that leads to office buildings on BSZ Marg. The signal has not been working for almost one year now because of which the crossing has become highly prone to accidents. Hardly ever is a policeman posted there,'' said Suresh Das, a regular commuter, who works in one of the buildings,
The scene is equally chaotic at the traffic signal near Delhi Zoo. In the morning, there is a rush of vehicles going towards central Delhi from south Delhi. "Every other day, there is a logjam at the crossing as cars come from all over and there is no one to regulate the traffic,'' said Meenakshi Verma, an advocate and resident of Babar Road.
The custodians of the signals, Delhi Traffic Police, say they are fed up with the situation. "The work to redo the signals was awarded to CMS Limited, who were earlier looking after these signals when the road was not under BRT. The company has been really slow. In fact, we have raised the issue and even threatened to impose heavy penalties. But the pace of work has not improved,'' said a senior traffic police officer.
The company has reportedly been paid an advance of Rs 17.5 lakh already, which is about 25 per cent of the total cost of the project of Rs 70 lakh. The signals in question were installed and are being maintained by the same firm which had entered into a contract with Delhi Traffic Police to maintain signals in the city for nearly 20 years.
The way those who run the city are turning a blind eye to so many signals not functioning and are exposing people to danger daily is quite baffling. And how can the traffic cops, who so often carry out safety drives, plead helplessness is equally inexplicable. Is anyone listening?
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/delhi/Behind-BRT-trail-of-signal-failure/articleshow/5052892.cms
Even before lane segregation is enforced, driving through Pilot B of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor from Moolchand to Delhi Gate has become a pain for motorists several traffic signals on the way have not been functioning since December last year. Since Mathura Road and Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg are busy arteries, the situation at the intersections is chaotic even during non-peak hours. The traffic police say the signals are being redone for BRT.
Home minister P Chidambaram's remarks on making Delhi, particularly its roads, safer don't seem to hold much meaning for the officials as just four out of 11 signals on the entire stretch are functioning, exposing pedestrians and motorists alike to a huge risk. Since mid-2008 when Delhi government decided to shift the bus lanes to the extreme left in Pilot B and also alter the signalling system of the under-construction corridor accordingly, only four of the 11 signals on the stretch have been redone.
At three other important intersections Delhi Gate, ITO and Mathura Road-Tilak Marg crossings the old signals are still working. At the rest of the intersections, half the signal poles have been uprooted even as their replacements are yet to come. At other intersections like the one near Pragati Maidan freshly painted new signal poles have been put up, but the LED lights are missing.
The signal near Khooni Darwaza has not been working for almost a year now. This has been pointed out by TOI earlier too but to no avail. "There is a U-turn at the crossing that leads to office buildings on BSZ Marg. The signal has not been working for almost one year now because of which the crossing has become highly prone to accidents. Hardly ever is a policeman posted there,'' said Suresh Das, a regular commuter, who works in one of the buildings,
The scene is equally chaotic at the traffic signal near Delhi Zoo. In the morning, there is a rush of vehicles going towards central Delhi from south Delhi. "Every other day, there is a logjam at the crossing as cars come from all over and there is no one to regulate the traffic,'' said Meenakshi Verma, an advocate and resident of Babar Road.
The custodians of the signals, Delhi Traffic Police, say they are fed up with the situation. "The work to redo the signals was awarded to CMS Limited, who were earlier looking after these signals when the road was not under BRT. The company has been really slow. In fact, we have raised the issue and even threatened to impose heavy penalties. But the pace of work has not improved,'' said a senior traffic police officer.
The company has reportedly been paid an advance of Rs 17.5 lakh already, which is about 25 per cent of the total cost of the project of Rs 70 lakh. The signals in question were installed and are being maintained by the same firm which had entered into a contract with Delhi Traffic Police to maintain signals in the city for nearly 20 years.
The way those who run the city are turning a blind eye to so many signals not functioning and are exposing people to danger daily is quite baffling. And how can the traffic cops, who so often carry out safety drives, plead helplessness is equally inexplicable. Is anyone listening?
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/delhi/Behind-BRT-trail-of-signal-failure/articleshow/5052892.cms
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