Finally, work begins on BRT overbridges

Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

The construction of three foot overbridges (FOBs) on the pilot Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor has finally begun. In a first for the city, the new FOBs will be fitted with lifts in addition to the now-common escalators. The transport department has also sought approval to construct four more FOBs on the remaining stretch between Moolchand and Delhi Gate.

The FOBs will be located at Madangir, near the dargah, the next about a km ahead near Pushp Vihar and the third before Chirag Dilli crossing. The one located before Chirag Dilli crossing, will also have a ramp which is being designed for cycle users. One end of the cycle ramp will open into the Jahanpanah Greens. "Work on the FOBs has started and they will be ready by April 2009,'' said a senior government official.

At one of the locations, where space was limited, the idea of installing a lift in place of an escalator was floated. Sources said, a decision was later taken to put up lifts on all the other FOBs too, in an attempt to make the FOBs disabled-friendly like the other BRT corridor.

To sort out the problem of pedestrians on the stretch, locations to construct four more FOBs have already been identified. The transport department has sought financial clearance to start the construction. The additional FOBs have been proposed before Tilak bridge on the Mathura Road-Tilak Marg intersection, at ITO crossing at Bahadurshah Zafar Marg near INSA building and opposite Ambedkar Stadium.

The idea, sources said, is to construct the new FOBs before the remaining corridor is made operational so that the confusion faced on the pilot BRT stretch between Ambedkar Nagar and Moolchand can be avoided. It was also observed that pedestrians trying to cross the road were involved in fatal accidents on the stretch and areas like ITO and Tilak bridge witness very heavy pedestrian traffic.