Saturday , June 27, 2009
source:http://www.expressindia.com
The Delhi government has made a temporary allotment of 13 acres of land at the Rajghat power plant and 16 acres at the Indraprastha power plant, to the Delhi Transport Corporation to set up parking lots for the Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in October 2010. Both parking lots will be exclusively for DTC buses.
Since Rajghat and Indraprastha are both thermal power plants, the land is currently used as an ash pond — a reservoir for the residue of the coal burnt to generate power. "Fly ash is useful for cement manufacturers since it an important raw material. We can dispose it by giving the residue to cement manufacturers. They will have to pay the transportation cost but as of now we have not fixed any charge for the raw material. This will leave the land free. Hence, the decision to use it as a parking lot," a senior power department official explained.
Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta recently inspected the plots and has given DTC the go-ahead on construction. "This area will be a traffic hub during the Games. The Indira Gandhi Stadium, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the velodrome and the Commonwealth Games Village are all in the vicinity. These two spots can be ideal parking lots. I have given the DTC 12 months to complete the project," Mehta told Newsline.
Mehta also added the two parking lots, combined with another at the Games village site, will provide space for up to 750 DTC buses.
The government is hoping to have a fleet of 1,500 low-floor buses by the time the Games roll.
"We need buses for the movement of spectators and Games personnel. There will also be special buses for the VIP traffic," he explained. Officials said the parking lots may be used for VIP cars as well.
While the allotment is temporary, at least one of the parking lots may become a permanent structure.
"The Indraprastha power plant is set to be phased out by December 2009. It is possible the parking lot at this site will be allowed to continue. Since there is need for parking space in the ITO area, this may prove helpful," a power official said.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
West Delhi commuters to get 4-lane space on way to NH-8
Saturday , June 27, 2009
source:http://www.expressindia.com
West Delhi residents headed for Dhaula Kuan from Janakpuri will now have easy time, with the traffic police planning to add another lane for cars and two-wheelers by barricading a portion of the other carriageway.
"We had received a lot of complaints about recurrent traffic jams on this stretch, so we felt that West Delhi residents heading towards NH-8 require more vehicle space," said Joint Commissioner, Traffic, S N Shrivastava.
The West Delhi commuter, instead of the three-lane carriageway, will now have four-lane space. The method, called contraflow, has been successfully used by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on NH-8, for vehicular flow towards Gurgaon till the construction of the airport line is completed.
The barricading will be put up only from 8 to 11am. The traffic police are not planning to reverse it towards the other side during evening for the present. "We will wait to see whether the plans works out," Shrivastava added.
source:http://www.expressindia.com
West Delhi residents headed for Dhaula Kuan from Janakpuri will now have easy time, with the traffic police planning to add another lane for cars and two-wheelers by barricading a portion of the other carriageway.
"We had received a lot of complaints about recurrent traffic jams on this stretch, so we felt that West Delhi residents heading towards NH-8 require more vehicle space," said Joint Commissioner, Traffic, S N Shrivastava.
The West Delhi commuter, instead of the three-lane carriageway, will now have four-lane space. The method, called contraflow, has been successfully used by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on NH-8, for vehicular flow towards Gurgaon till the construction of the airport line is completed.
The barricading will be put up only from 8 to 11am. The traffic police are not planning to reverse it towards the other side during evening for the present. "We will wait to see whether the plans works out," Shrivastava added.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
CP to have 13 parking spots, NDMC awards tenders
Thursday , June 25, 2009
source:http://www.indianexpress.com
Parking woes in Connaught Place are set to ease as the New Delhi Municipal Council has awarded new tenders for thirteen parking spots across the Inner, Outer and Middle circles. Motorists in CP will be able to park their vehicles at these authorised spots from Friday onwards. According to the new tender details, the civic body has kept less than one-third of the area for storing construction material, required for the ongoing restoration work of the heritage area.
The NDMC has released around 12,000 square feet of area, which can accommodate around 1,700 vehicles. Estate department officials also said as and when the restoration work is completed in each block, that space will be tendered and made available for parking. "The restoration has to be completed on time and till then some space will be required to store construction material etc," an official said.
The move follows extensive calls for action by traders as well as shoppers visiting the area in the past few weeks. As the restoration work began in the A-Block and E-Block in CP, earlier this month, NDMC had closed parking lots near the two blocks for storing construction material and security reasons. The civic body also decided against re -tendering parking lots in Inner, Outer and Middle circles earlier this month for the same reason.
"Earlier we had thought of shutting down parking lots at Outer and Middle circles to keep construction material. The traders requested us to make some amendments at a meeting so, we will use alternative space at the corners of each block for the purpose," said an NDMC official.
source:http://www.indianexpress.com
Parking woes in Connaught Place are set to ease as the New Delhi Municipal Council has awarded new tenders for thirteen parking spots across the Inner, Outer and Middle circles. Motorists in CP will be able to park their vehicles at these authorised spots from Friday onwards. According to the new tender details, the civic body has kept less than one-third of the area for storing construction material, required for the ongoing restoration work of the heritage area.
The NDMC has released around 12,000 square feet of area, which can accommodate around 1,700 vehicles. Estate department officials also said as and when the restoration work is completed in each block, that space will be tendered and made available for parking. "The restoration has to be completed on time and till then some space will be required to store construction material etc," an official said.
The move follows extensive calls for action by traders as well as shoppers visiting the area in the past few weeks. As the restoration work began in the A-Block and E-Block in CP, earlier this month, NDMC had closed parking lots near the two blocks for storing construction material and security reasons. The civic body also decided against re -tendering parking lots in Inner, Outer and Middle circles earlier this month for the same reason.
"Earlier we had thought of shutting down parking lots at Outer and Middle circles to keep construction material. The traders requested us to make some amendments at a meeting so, we will use alternative space at the corners of each block for the purpose," said an NDMC official.
Andheria Mod-Vasant Kunj stretch to be made signal-free
Thursday , June 25, 2009
source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
While commuters would have to wait a few more years for a smooth ride on the congested Andheria Mod NH-8 stretch via Vasant Kunj, the good news is that the entire corridor would be made signal-free simultaneously. Public Works Department (PWD) has submitted an integrated proposal in this regard to the United Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning and Engineering) Centre (UTTIPEC).
As per the PWD submission, three 6-lane flyovers would be built at major traffic intersections and the scope of work includes construction of a road over road or single carriageway flyover and a 6-lane tunnel/underpass. Though the financial estimates have not been submitted, PWD has categorically mentioned that the project would be complete in 41 months after obtaining the approval from local bodies.
"We can't make the financial projections until the project is approved. We are going to take up the case with UTTIPEC on Thursday,'' said a senior PWD official. The unified planning body for transport and traffic related projects in the capital has already invited public opinion on the proposal to make the stretch a non-stop traffic corridor.
According to the proposed plan, to deal with the congestion at Andheria Mod on Mehrauli-Gurgaon road, a two carriageway and 6-lane flyover would be constructed at the crossing. Officials said the department already has approval to widen the existing road up to Masoodpur.
Similarly, to do away with the intersection on Aruna Asaf Ali Marg at D-3, the PWD proposes to construct another 400m-long 6-lane flyover. "But so far the biggest challenge has been to improve the traffic flow on Masoodpur stretch, which is already congested,'' said the PWD official.
The department has proposed to construct a 700m-long 3-lane single carriageway flyover (road over road) between Nelson Mandela Marg crossing and Main Masoodpur village that would cover the most congested market stretch. Sources said this new stretch would be an extension of the existing single carriageway flyover.
Department officials said the PWD has also proposed to build another half-a-kilometer 6-lane flyover at Ryan International School crossing. However, to find a solution to the clogged Mahipalpur village, the PWD would construct a tunnel/underpass at NH-8 junction leading to Dwarka. "DMRC has been given the task to carry out a feasibility study for this 500m 6-lane bypass,'' the PWD official said.
It's worth mentioning that to make this stretch signal-free the PWD had submitted the proposal years ago and it was earlier discussed in the technical committee meeting in February, 2007.
source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
While commuters would have to wait a few more years for a smooth ride on the congested Andheria Mod NH-8 stretch via Vasant Kunj, the good news is that the entire corridor would be made signal-free simultaneously. Public Works Department (PWD) has submitted an integrated proposal in this regard to the United Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning and Engineering) Centre (UTTIPEC).
As per the PWD submission, three 6-lane flyovers would be built at major traffic intersections and the scope of work includes construction of a road over road or single carriageway flyover and a 6-lane tunnel/underpass. Though the financial estimates have not been submitted, PWD has categorically mentioned that the project would be complete in 41 months after obtaining the approval from local bodies.
"We can't make the financial projections until the project is approved. We are going to take up the case with UTTIPEC on Thursday,'' said a senior PWD official. The unified planning body for transport and traffic related projects in the capital has already invited public opinion on the proposal to make the stretch a non-stop traffic corridor.
According to the proposed plan, to deal with the congestion at Andheria Mod on Mehrauli-Gurgaon road, a two carriageway and 6-lane flyover would be constructed at the crossing. Officials said the department already has approval to widen the existing road up to Masoodpur.
Similarly, to do away with the intersection on Aruna Asaf Ali Marg at D-3, the PWD proposes to construct another 400m-long 6-lane flyover. "But so far the biggest challenge has been to improve the traffic flow on Masoodpur stretch, which is already congested,'' said the PWD official.
The department has proposed to construct a 700m-long 3-lane single carriageway flyover (road over road) between Nelson Mandela Marg crossing and Main Masoodpur village that would cover the most congested market stretch. Sources said this new stretch would be an extension of the existing single carriageway flyover.
Department officials said the PWD has also proposed to build another half-a-kilometer 6-lane flyover at Ryan International School crossing. However, to find a solution to the clogged Mahipalpur village, the PWD would construct a tunnel/underpass at NH-8 junction leading to Dwarka. "DMRC has been given the task to carry out a feasibility study for this 500m 6-lane bypass,'' the PWD official said.
It's worth mentioning that to make this stretch signal-free the PWD had submitted the proposal years ago and it was earlier discussed in the technical committee meeting in February, 2007.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Eye on Games, public transport gets boost
Tuesday , June 23, 2009
source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
With Commonwealth Games a little more than a year away, improving transportation facilities continued to be high on the government's agenda. Monday's budget was indicative of it with a whopping 31% of the total outlay, Rs 3,069 crore, allocated to this sector. Though no new projects were announced, the money was to be used to fund ongoing schemes like construction of Delhi Metro, procurement of 2,500 new DTC buses and building new flyovers, underpasses and rail overbridges.
In a scenario where the number of vehicles in Delhi was set to cross the 60 lakh mark, the move to encourage public transport would go a long way in easing congestion. The government announced that work on nine new Delhi Metro corridors was progressing on schedule. All the new lines, which will add another 185 km to the existing network, would be operational by October 2010.
Funds have also been allocated for 2,500 new DTC buses that will hit the roads before March next year. The purchase order for these buses has already been placed. The Union government agreed to partially fund 1,500 more buses for Delhi under JNNURM.
In addition to buses, funds have also been set aside for new road infrastructure projects like flyovers, underpasses, rail overbridges and road resurfacing. The construction of flyovers/ROBs is gaining pace at RR Kohli Marg, Shastri Nagar Pushta, Azadpur, BJ Marg-RTR Marg, Africa Avenue, Nelson Mandela Marg, Naraina and underpasses at ITO Chungi. Work on Barapullah Nallah Road and Salimgarh Bypass projects have also started. Further, an amount of Rs 111.61 crore has been released to MCD for construction of 17 ROBs to be completed before October 2010. Another Rs 80 crore has been released to MCD to develop a modern parking for the new DTC buses.
source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
With Commonwealth Games a little more than a year away, improving transportation facilities continued to be high on the government's agenda. Monday's budget was indicative of it with a whopping 31% of the total outlay, Rs 3,069 crore, allocated to this sector. Though no new projects were announced, the money was to be used to fund ongoing schemes like construction of Delhi Metro, procurement of 2,500 new DTC buses and building new flyovers, underpasses and rail overbridges.
In a scenario where the number of vehicles in Delhi was set to cross the 60 lakh mark, the move to encourage public transport would go a long way in easing congestion. The government announced that work on nine new Delhi Metro corridors was progressing on schedule. All the new lines, which will add another 185 km to the existing network, would be operational by October 2010.
Funds have also been allocated for 2,500 new DTC buses that will hit the roads before March next year. The purchase order for these buses has already been placed. The Union government agreed to partially fund 1,500 more buses for Delhi under JNNURM.
In addition to buses, funds have also been set aside for new road infrastructure projects like flyovers, underpasses, rail overbridges and road resurfacing. The construction of flyovers/ROBs is gaining pace at RR Kohli Marg, Shastri Nagar Pushta, Azadpur, BJ Marg-RTR Marg, Africa Avenue, Nelson Mandela Marg, Naraina and underpasses at ITO Chungi. Work on Barapullah Nallah Road and Salimgarh Bypass projects have also started. Further, an amount of Rs 111.61 crore has been released to MCD for construction of 17 ROBs to be completed before October 2010. Another Rs 80 crore has been released to MCD to develop a modern parking for the new DTC buses.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Headed for CP? Leave your car behind
Tuesday, Jun 16, 2009
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
If you are planning to visit Connaught Place any time soon, make sure you leave your car behind. With the CP restoration project gaining steam, all parking lots in Inner, Outer and Middle Circles are being retendered by New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). And in the process, it's a free-for-all in the heritage area as there is no authorised parking in most of the lots at present.
On Monday, the area was a complete mess. With no parking attendants, cars were parked in a haphazard fashion, bringing down the capacity of the lots. "There was absolutely no parking in CP. I took two rounds of Outer Circle and wasted half an hour before I was left with no other option but to park at Palika and walk down to N-block,'' said Ritika Mahajan, who had to visit a travel agent in Outer Circle.
In most of the parking lots, people had just left their cars. "There is no one to look after the cars. Now someone has parked in front of my car. How am I supposed to get out of the parking lot?'' asked Vishal Kumar, who had come shopping to Inner Circle.
At several lots, the parking mafia had taken over with attendants illegally collecting money from those coming to park, even though their contracts had expired. Due to paucity of space, the spillover of vehicles from the lots choked traffic on the main road, especially in Outer Circle.
NDMC had reportedly come up with a plan to permanently remove all parking from Outer and Middle Circles. But following stiff opposition from the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA), a collective of shop owners in CP, it was forced to review the decision. "This central business district spread over three lakh square metres needs parking space for 9,000 vehicles and we have a capacity of just 5,000. How can this space be reduced further? We are all for development, but not at the cost of business,'' said Atul Bhargava, president, NDTA.
Association members recently met NDMC officials when they were assured that the parking lots will be retendered soon. But on Monday, problems prevailed. NDMC officials claimed that the decision was taken so that space is available for dumping construction material required for the restoration of the buildings. "Now, part of the parking lots will be used for construction while parking will be allowed in some portions. While work is going on, some problems are expected. But the matter will be resolved once the tendering process is completed in about 7-10 days,'' said a senior NDMC official, who didn't wish to be named. Restoration work will be executed in a phased manner in Middle Circle.
Connaught Place, constructed in the 1930s, reportedly offers the best pedestrian space available in any open market in the city with a verandah of 20 feet and a walking plaza of 15 feet.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
If you are planning to visit Connaught Place any time soon, make sure you leave your car behind. With the CP restoration project gaining steam, all parking lots in Inner, Outer and Middle Circles are being retendered by New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). And in the process, it's a free-for-all in the heritage area as there is no authorised parking in most of the lots at present.
On Monday, the area was a complete mess. With no parking attendants, cars were parked in a haphazard fashion, bringing down the capacity of the lots. "There was absolutely no parking in CP. I took two rounds of Outer Circle and wasted half an hour before I was left with no other option but to park at Palika and walk down to N-block,'' said Ritika Mahajan, who had to visit a travel agent in Outer Circle.
In most of the parking lots, people had just left their cars. "There is no one to look after the cars. Now someone has parked in front of my car. How am I supposed to get out of the parking lot?'' asked Vishal Kumar, who had come shopping to Inner Circle.
At several lots, the parking mafia had taken over with attendants illegally collecting money from those coming to park, even though their contracts had expired. Due to paucity of space, the spillover of vehicles from the lots choked traffic on the main road, especially in Outer Circle.
NDMC had reportedly come up with a plan to permanently remove all parking from Outer and Middle Circles. But following stiff opposition from the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA), a collective of shop owners in CP, it was forced to review the decision. "This central business district spread over three lakh square metres needs parking space for 9,000 vehicles and we have a capacity of just 5,000. How can this space be reduced further? We are all for development, but not at the cost of business,'' said Atul Bhargava, president, NDTA.
Association members recently met NDMC officials when they were assured that the parking lots will be retendered soon. But on Monday, problems prevailed. NDMC officials claimed that the decision was taken so that space is available for dumping construction material required for the restoration of the buildings. "Now, part of the parking lots will be used for construction while parking will be allowed in some portions. While work is going on, some problems are expected. But the matter will be resolved once the tendering process is completed in about 7-10 days,'' said a senior NDMC official, who didn't wish to be named. Restoration work will be executed in a phased manner in Middle Circle.
Connaught Place, constructed in the 1930s, reportedly offers the best pedestrian space available in any open market in the city with a verandah of 20 feet and a walking plaza of 15 feet.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Parking at Metro station in Azadpur
Tuesday , June 16, 2009
source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
There is good news for commuters who take the Metro from the Azadpur Metro station, as a new parking lot has been created by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for about 600 vehicles. The parking facility will cater to residents of neighbouring areas like Model Town, Adarsh Nagar and GTB Nagar.
The parking lot has been developed on a 3,230 square meter plot adjacent to the station and can accommodate about 300 cars and another 300 two wheelers. It will remain open for use round the clock for all commuters using the Metro. "The monthly charges for two wheelers would be Rs 250 and for four wheelers it will be Rs 500, whereas the charges for 10 hours will be Rs 5 for two wheelers and Rs 10 for four wheelers,'' said a DMRC spokesperson.
With the parking facility getting operational, DMRC expects the ridership of the station to increase considerably. The Metro station currently handles a rush of about 6,000 persons per day.
The parking lot is one of the few such spaces available on Line 2 of the Metro, from Central Secretariat to Jehangirpuri. The other stations on the Line 2 where parking facility is available include Patel Chowk and Vishwavidyalaya Metro stations.
source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
There is good news for commuters who take the Metro from the Azadpur Metro station, as a new parking lot has been created by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for about 600 vehicles. The parking facility will cater to residents of neighbouring areas like Model Town, Adarsh Nagar and GTB Nagar.
The parking lot has been developed on a 3,230 square meter plot adjacent to the station and can accommodate about 300 cars and another 300 two wheelers. It will remain open for use round the clock for all commuters using the Metro. "The monthly charges for two wheelers would be Rs 250 and for four wheelers it will be Rs 500, whereas the charges for 10 hours will be Rs 5 for two wheelers and Rs 10 for four wheelers,'' said a DMRC spokesperson.
With the parking facility getting operational, DMRC expects the ridership of the station to increase considerably. The Metro station currently handles a rush of about 6,000 persons per day.
The parking lot is one of the few such spaces available on Line 2 of the Metro, from Central Secretariat to Jehangirpuri. The other stations on the Line 2 where parking facility is available include Patel Chowk and Vishwavidyalaya Metro stations.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Delhi government to buy 6,600 buses before Commonwealth Games
Monday , June 15, 2009
source:http://sify.com
The Delhi government will purchase 6,600 new buses before the 2010 Commonwealth Games to provide a better public transport system during the Games, Lieutenant Governor Tejedra Khanna said Monday.
Addressing the Delhi assembly at the start of the budget session Monday, Khanna said: '3,800 new buses are proposed to be purchased in time for the Commonwealth Games 2010. It will be augmented to a fleet of 6,600 buses, to meet the requirements of Delhiites.'
The bus fleet will include both low- and semi-low floor buses, along with air-conditioned buses. It is likely to provide public transport a competitive edge over private transport.
Khanna informed the assembly that the Delhi government is constructing 24 new flyovers and bridges and six road-over-bridges/road-under-bridges to provide better intra-city connectivity during the Games period.
'The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is also constructing 18 road-over-bridges/road-under-bridges to ensure rapid flow of vehicular traffic between the competition venues. These will contribute significantly to a reduction in stoppage times,' Khanna told the assembly.
The Public Works Department (PWD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and MCD have also taken up a drive to beautify the roads, by way of widening, strengthening and resurfacing the roads and street lighting.
'To improve aesthetics, street scaping alongside roads and in vacant areas around the flyovers will include greenery, tree plantation, street furniture and modern signages. All these projects are at different stages of progress and will be completed in time for the Commonwealth Games,' Khanna added.
The 17-day budget session will end on July 1.
source:http://sify.com
The Delhi government will purchase 6,600 new buses before the 2010 Commonwealth Games to provide a better public transport system during the Games, Lieutenant Governor Tejedra Khanna said Monday.
Addressing the Delhi assembly at the start of the budget session Monday, Khanna said: '3,800 new buses are proposed to be purchased in time for the Commonwealth Games 2010. It will be augmented to a fleet of 6,600 buses, to meet the requirements of Delhiites.'
The bus fleet will include both low- and semi-low floor buses, along with air-conditioned buses. It is likely to provide public transport a competitive edge over private transport.
Khanna informed the assembly that the Delhi government is constructing 24 new flyovers and bridges and six road-over-bridges/road-under-bridges to provide better intra-city connectivity during the Games period.
'The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is also constructing 18 road-over-bridges/road-under-bridges to ensure rapid flow of vehicular traffic between the competition venues. These will contribute significantly to a reduction in stoppage times,' Khanna told the assembly.
The Public Works Department (PWD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and MCD have also taken up a drive to beautify the roads, by way of widening, strengthening and resurfacing the roads and street lighting.
'To improve aesthetics, street scaping alongside roads and in vacant areas around the flyovers will include greenery, tree plantation, street furniture and modern signages. All these projects are at different stages of progress and will be completed in time for the Commonwealth Games,' Khanna added.
The 17-day budget session will end on July 1.
Monday, June 15, 2009
9 more months of jams en route to Naraina
Sunday , June 14, 2009
source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Commuters using the Naraina stretch on Ring Road will have to negotiate massive jams for at least 10 more months as the ongoing flyover project is expected to be fully operational only by March next year. The coming few months will be more critical since the road space for traffic will shrink further due to fixing of concrete segments on one carriageway of the flyover.
The 1.6km-long flyover project at the Naraina crossing has already been delayed by over six months. Public Works Department (PWD) officials blame it on less availability of space to carry out construction work besides the huge traffic flow on this stretch. The department is now seeking approval from the traffic police to put a restriction on the height of vehicles using the stretch for at least one month when girder launchers would be pressed into service.
Officials will also seek police help to divert the traffic during this period to reduce pile-ups on the Dhaula Kuan-Naraina carriageway. "There is an option of diverting the traffic from Brar Square. It will be very difficult to manage the present volume of traffic when road space is reduced further for a limited period,'' PWD sources said.
But the good news for commuters is that the Dhaula Kuan-Mayapuri carriageway of the flyover would be operational by October. After this, it will take another six months to complete the other carriageway. "As soon as one carriageway becomes operational in the first phase, we will get enough space to carry out work on the other side,'' said another official.
According to department officials, this has been a difficult project since the busy Ring Road can't be blocked completely to carry out work. "Right now, there is only nine meter road available for the vehicles,'' said a senior PWD official.
The over 1.5km-long stretch has been witnessing major snarls on both the carriageways, especially during morning and evening peak hours. Pile-ups from Brar Square up to the Mayapuri flyover approximately 2.5-3km during evening peak hours is a permanent feature. The jams on the other carriageway during morning peak hours are equally worse. Traffic snarls extend up to the Raja Garden crossing from Naraina village as a bulk of the traffic heading towards Gurgaon, Faridabad and south Delhi takes this route.
"We have been facing this ordeal for the past two years but the work looks nowhere near completion,'' said Sunil Singh Yadav, a resident of Naraina.
The original deadline for the Rs 120 crore project was December 2008. Responding to why the project missed its deadline by a wide margin despite the project completion period being fixed after a feasibility study and preparation of DPR, a PWD official said, "When a project is finally executed on the ground the realty is different from the projections.''
He further added that in such cases when there's `no reason' to hold the private contractor responsible for delay the deadline is extended. "The new deadline will be fixed as the project nears completion,'' said the official.
The flyover project was envisaged to make the entire stretch along Ring Road from Shalimar Bagh to Moolchand flyover signal free.
source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Commuters using the Naraina stretch on Ring Road will have to negotiate massive jams for at least 10 more months as the ongoing flyover project is expected to be fully operational only by March next year. The coming few months will be more critical since the road space for traffic will shrink further due to fixing of concrete segments on one carriageway of the flyover.
The 1.6km-long flyover project at the Naraina crossing has already been delayed by over six months. Public Works Department (PWD) officials blame it on less availability of space to carry out construction work besides the huge traffic flow on this stretch. The department is now seeking approval from the traffic police to put a restriction on the height of vehicles using the stretch for at least one month when girder launchers would be pressed into service.
Officials will also seek police help to divert the traffic during this period to reduce pile-ups on the Dhaula Kuan-Naraina carriageway. "There is an option of diverting the traffic from Brar Square. It will be very difficult to manage the present volume of traffic when road space is reduced further for a limited period,'' PWD sources said.
But the good news for commuters is that the Dhaula Kuan-Mayapuri carriageway of the flyover would be operational by October. After this, it will take another six months to complete the other carriageway. "As soon as one carriageway becomes operational in the first phase, we will get enough space to carry out work on the other side,'' said another official.
According to department officials, this has been a difficult project since the busy Ring Road can't be blocked completely to carry out work. "Right now, there is only nine meter road available for the vehicles,'' said a senior PWD official.
The over 1.5km-long stretch has been witnessing major snarls on both the carriageways, especially during morning and evening peak hours. Pile-ups from Brar Square up to the Mayapuri flyover approximately 2.5-3km during evening peak hours is a permanent feature. The jams on the other carriageway during morning peak hours are equally worse. Traffic snarls extend up to the Raja Garden crossing from Naraina village as a bulk of the traffic heading towards Gurgaon, Faridabad and south Delhi takes this route.
"We have been facing this ordeal for the past two years but the work looks nowhere near completion,'' said Sunil Singh Yadav, a resident of Naraina.
The original deadline for the Rs 120 crore project was December 2008. Responding to why the project missed its deadline by a wide margin despite the project completion period being fixed after a feasibility study and preparation of DPR, a PWD official said, "When a project is finally executed on the ground the realty is different from the projections.''
He further added that in such cases when there's `no reason' to hold the private contractor responsible for delay the deadline is extended. "The new deadline will be fixed as the project nears completion,'' said the official.
The flyover project was envisaged to make the entire stretch along Ring Road from Shalimar Bagh to Moolchand flyover signal free.
Govt allots another Rs 51 crore for road project
Saturday , June 13, 2009
source:http://www.indianexpress.com
The Delhi government Expenditure Finance Committee has allotted an additional Rs 51 crore for connecting the Barapullah Nullah elevated road between Sarai Kale Khan Road and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with Lala Lajpat Rai Marg.
The funds have been sanctioned for two slip roads that will be built close to Lodhi Hotel, connecting this elevated road to Lala Lajpat Rai Marg. The PWD incorporated the slip roads after the traffic police raised concern about it. This was to be part of Phase-2 originally.
In Phase 2 of the project, the elevated road will be extended from Jawaharlal Nehru stadium to INA. It will also connect to the Ring Road and there will be more slip roads at Sarai Kale Khan.
The original cost of the project was Rs 498 crore. The road is expected to be used by nearly 10,000 athletes during the Commonwealth Games. The deadline for the project is June 30, 2010.
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Finance Minister Dr A K Walia, Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely, and PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan were present during the meeting.
The slip roads will save time for commuters coming from East Delhi to Central and South Delhi. It will also ease out traffic congestion on the Ring Road at Ashram, on Mathura Road and other arterial roads.
The cost of the Barapullah Nullah road has already appreciated by at least 15 per cent over its original projected cost, due to delays in construction and the road being elevated to 17 metres.
The committee has also approved five new DTC bus depots to accommodate additional buses that are expected to be added soon. The construction on these depots will be completed by this year-end. The new depots will be constructed at Pratap Nagar, Okhla-IV, Dera Mandi, Kair and Gadaipur. The Gadaipur depot will be constructed by DIMTS, whereas the other depots will be constructed by the DSIIDC.
The depots are being commissioned as the government has decided to facilitate the creation of infrastructure that will be made available for use of private bus operators. The new depots will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 79.12 crore.
source:http://www.indianexpress.com
The Delhi government Expenditure Finance Committee has allotted an additional Rs 51 crore for connecting the Barapullah Nullah elevated road between Sarai Kale Khan Road and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with Lala Lajpat Rai Marg.
The funds have been sanctioned for two slip roads that will be built close to Lodhi Hotel, connecting this elevated road to Lala Lajpat Rai Marg. The PWD incorporated the slip roads after the traffic police raised concern about it. This was to be part of Phase-2 originally.
In Phase 2 of the project, the elevated road will be extended from Jawaharlal Nehru stadium to INA. It will also connect to the Ring Road and there will be more slip roads at Sarai Kale Khan.
The original cost of the project was Rs 498 crore. The road is expected to be used by nearly 10,000 athletes during the Commonwealth Games. The deadline for the project is June 30, 2010.
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Finance Minister Dr A K Walia, Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely, and PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan were present during the meeting.
The slip roads will save time for commuters coming from East Delhi to Central and South Delhi. It will also ease out traffic congestion on the Ring Road at Ashram, on Mathura Road and other arterial roads.
The cost of the Barapullah Nullah road has already appreciated by at least 15 per cent over its original projected cost, due to delays in construction and the road being elevated to 17 metres.
The committee has also approved five new DTC bus depots to accommodate additional buses that are expected to be added soon. The construction on these depots will be completed by this year-end. The new depots will be constructed at Pratap Nagar, Okhla-IV, Dera Mandi, Kair and Gadaipur. The Gadaipur depot will be constructed by DIMTS, whereas the other depots will be constructed by the DSIIDC.
The depots are being commissioned as the government has decided to facilitate the creation of infrastructure that will be made available for use of private bus operators. The new depots will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 79.12 crore.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Govt takes ITO flyover project back to DUAC
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Delhi government's attempts to revive the ITO flyover project have once again given rise to a war of words between the government and the Delhi Urban Arts Commission. On Monday finance minister A K Walia who is very keen on the flyover as it would directly benefit his constituency in East Delhi held a meeting with DUAC and PWD officials and urged the commission to re-think its verdict on the flyover.
"The flyover was a part of the Master Plan and was originally supposed to be made by MCD but because the civic agency never moved on the plan, it was handed over to PWD. It had all the approvals including that of the DDA technical committee and its construction will bring an end to the chaos on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. We have explained all these things to DUAC and will further apprise them about the ground situation,'' Walia told Times City.
DUAC, according to senior officials, is sticking to the arguments it had originally given while rejecting the proposal. "They have a conceptual problem with the flyover because their contention is that a city cannot have flyovers at all intersections. Moreover it is a convention that flyovers are usually away from the city centre. They are not willing to pass the ITO flyover,'' said an official.
The fact that there is another sore point at the same intersection the East West corridor which has only been partially cleared by DUAC is further complicating the fate of the flyover, which apart from providing a signal-free ride on BSZ Marg is also expected to solve the parking problems of the offices there.
State PWD minister Rajkumar Chauhan had earlier said that if need be the state government is willing to bypass DUAC objections like it did for the Ring Road Bypass by directly approaching the lieutenant governor but the project has been stalled for so long that it is unlikely to be in place before the Commonwealth Games.
source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Delhi government's attempts to revive the ITO flyover project have once again given rise to a war of words between the government and the Delhi Urban Arts Commission. On Monday finance minister A K Walia who is very keen on the flyover as it would directly benefit his constituency in East Delhi held a meeting with DUAC and PWD officials and urged the commission to re-think its verdict on the flyover.
"The flyover was a part of the Master Plan and was originally supposed to be made by MCD but because the civic agency never moved on the plan, it was handed over to PWD. It had all the approvals including that of the DDA technical committee and its construction will bring an end to the chaos on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. We have explained all these things to DUAC and will further apprise them about the ground situation,'' Walia told Times City.
DUAC, according to senior officials, is sticking to the arguments it had originally given while rejecting the proposal. "They have a conceptual problem with the flyover because their contention is that a city cannot have flyovers at all intersections. Moreover it is a convention that flyovers are usually away from the city centre. They are not willing to pass the ITO flyover,'' said an official.
The fact that there is another sore point at the same intersection the East West corridor which has only been partially cleared by DUAC is further complicating the fate of the flyover, which apart from providing a signal-free ride on BSZ Marg is also expected to solve the parking problems of the offices there.
State PWD minister Rajkumar Chauhan had earlier said that if need be the state government is willing to bypass DUAC objections like it did for the Ring Road Bypass by directly approaching the lieutenant governor but the project has been stalled for so long that it is unlikely to be in place before the Commonwealth Games.
Monday, June 8, 2009
38,000 Delhiites fined for traffic violations in June
Monday, June 8, 2009
source:http://www.hindu.com
Over 38,000 Delhiites faced the music for violation of traffic rules during the first week of the month when the city observed Safe Pedestrian Week, with those jumping the redlights topping the list of offenders.
The city observed Safe Pedestrian Week from June one to seven to generate awareness among pedestrians and motorists to become responsible road user.
According to statistics provided by Delhi Police, a total of 33,239 challans were issued while 5,188 notices were sent to violators during the first four days of this month.
Jumping redlight topped the list with 6,734 people being booked for the offence followed by improper parking for which 4,927 violators were challaned, a senior police official said.
Around 2,926 people were challaned for driving dangerously while 78 others were caught for driving in an inebriated state, the official said.
A total of 1,158 people were challaned for stopline violation while 1,474 were charged for overspeeding.
Out of the 781 people who died in accidents this year till May 15, the data show that 398 victims were pedestrians accounting for 50.96 per cent of the total such deaths.
"Majority of the motorists do not have any regard for pedestrians. This attitude has to change. In a similar way, pedestrians should also remind themselves that traffic rules are applicable to them also," the official said.
source:http://www.hindu.com
Over 38,000 Delhiites faced the music for violation of traffic rules during the first week of the month when the city observed Safe Pedestrian Week, with those jumping the redlights topping the list of offenders.
The city observed Safe Pedestrian Week from June one to seven to generate awareness among pedestrians and motorists to become responsible road user.
According to statistics provided by Delhi Police, a total of 33,239 challans were issued while 5,188 notices were sent to violators during the first four days of this month.
Jumping redlight topped the list with 6,734 people being booked for the offence followed by improper parking for which 4,927 violators were challaned, a senior police official said.
Around 2,926 people were challaned for driving dangerously while 78 others were caught for driving in an inebriated state, the official said.
A total of 1,158 people were challaned for stopline violation while 1,474 were charged for overspeeding.
Out of the 781 people who died in accidents this year till May 15, the data show that 398 victims were pedestrians accounting for 50.96 per cent of the total such deaths.
"Majority of the motorists do not have any regard for pedestrians. This attitude has to change. In a similar way, pedestrians should also remind themselves that traffic rules are applicable to them also," the official said.
Aurobindo Road to be closed till June-end
Sunday, June 7, 2009
source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The ordeal of commuters braving the jams at the Aurobindo Marg diversion is likely to be prolonged. Unable to locate the leakage in the stormwater drain, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has written to Delhi Traffic Police stating that the road will have to be closed till June 30 to carry out the repairs.
Till then, the jams will continue on the stretch as vehicles taking the busy artery have been diverted onto a colony road in Green Park. Aurobindo Marg has been closed since June 2 after a stormwater drain started leaking into an under-construction Delhi Metro tunnel causing the main road to cave in. The leakage was caused due to backflow of water into the drain, after which DMRC had decided to identify all the leakage points and plug them.
"Vehicles headed towards AIIMS from IIT side have to take a compulsory left turn from the Hauz Khas signal and have been diverted on to the Green Park market road. This traffic then comes out on Aurobindo Marg at the Green Park gurdwara. Those headed for August Kranti Marg can take a right turn from IIT flyover and go via Panchsheel,'' said Rupinder Kumar, DCP (traffic), southern range.
Meanwhile, DMRC managing director E Sreedharan visited the stretch on Saturday morning and inspected the work. At present, the MCD has closed the drain and diverted all the water into a partially ready tunnel. "With the help of eight heavy duty pumps, the water is being channelised into a constructed Metro tunnel. It is flowing into another stormwater drain at Hauz Khas. We are trying to rectify the problem before June 30 and have asked for the traffic diversion to remain in place till then. Work is going on round the clock to open the stretch at the earliest possible,'' said a DMRC spokesperson.
But even as the flow of water into the brick drain which is reportedly almost 100 years old has been stopped, the points of leakages are not known. DMRC is trying to speed up work as engineers are afraid that if the monsoon rain arrives, the backflow of water could even lead to flooding in the colonies around as it is a low-lying area. The blockage at Gautam Nagar is also being inspected by DMRC engineers who are trying to find a solution to the mess caused due to covering of an open nullah by MCD.
The civic body had covered an open stormwater drain in Gautam Nagar and replaced it with a closed 1200 mm diameter drain to carry sewage of three pipes, each of a 1800 mm diameter. After one day of overnight rain, the obvious backflow in the network led to part of Aurobindo Marg road caving in on April 31. The road was reopened on June 2, only to be closed a few hours later after three more leaks sprung up in the lines because of the backflow. The entire road is being dug up to a depth of about five metres to check the drain.
source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The ordeal of commuters braving the jams at the Aurobindo Marg diversion is likely to be prolonged. Unable to locate the leakage in the stormwater drain, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has written to Delhi Traffic Police stating that the road will have to be closed till June 30 to carry out the repairs.
Till then, the jams will continue on the stretch as vehicles taking the busy artery have been diverted onto a colony road in Green Park. Aurobindo Marg has been closed since June 2 after a stormwater drain started leaking into an under-construction Delhi Metro tunnel causing the main road to cave in. The leakage was caused due to backflow of water into the drain, after which DMRC had decided to identify all the leakage points and plug them.
"Vehicles headed towards AIIMS from IIT side have to take a compulsory left turn from the Hauz Khas signal and have been diverted on to the Green Park market road. This traffic then comes out on Aurobindo Marg at the Green Park gurdwara. Those headed for August Kranti Marg can take a right turn from IIT flyover and go via Panchsheel,'' said Rupinder Kumar, DCP (traffic), southern range.
Meanwhile, DMRC managing director E Sreedharan visited the stretch on Saturday morning and inspected the work. At present, the MCD has closed the drain and diverted all the water into a partially ready tunnel. "With the help of eight heavy duty pumps, the water is being channelised into a constructed Metro tunnel. It is flowing into another stormwater drain at Hauz Khas. We are trying to rectify the problem before June 30 and have asked for the traffic diversion to remain in place till then. Work is going on round the clock to open the stretch at the earliest possible,'' said a DMRC spokesperson.
But even as the flow of water into the brick drain which is reportedly almost 100 years old has been stopped, the points of leakages are not known. DMRC is trying to speed up work as engineers are afraid that if the monsoon rain arrives, the backflow of water could even lead to flooding in the colonies around as it is a low-lying area. The blockage at Gautam Nagar is also being inspected by DMRC engineers who are trying to find a solution to the mess caused due to covering of an open nullah by MCD.
The civic body had covered an open stormwater drain in Gautam Nagar and replaced it with a closed 1200 mm diameter drain to carry sewage of three pipes, each of a 1800 mm diameter. After one day of overnight rain, the obvious backflow in the network led to part of Aurobindo Marg road caving in on April 31. The road was reopened on June 2, only to be closed a few hours later after three more leaks sprung up in the lines because of the backflow. The entire road is being dug up to a depth of about five metres to check the drain.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Anand Vihar metro station to open by year-end, ease travel woes
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Come 2011, an estimated 2.5 lakh commuters will board the Delhi Metro from Anand Vihar the last stop before the Metro enters Ghaziabad making it the busiest station of Phase II barring the interchange stations.
The strategic location of this station it is bang at the Delhi-UP border at Maharajpur and shares boundaries with the new Anand Vihar railway station and an existing ISBT makes it an integral part of the Delhi Metro network. The transport complex is being designed to ensure that commuters using the three modes can use all the terminals without having to exit the complex.
It will be internally connected to the railway station coming up in the adjacent plot with a foot overbridge and an existing ISBT which is going to be ravamped before the Commonwealth Games, to ensure that those coming to Delhi by train or interstate buses can take the Metro from this point to commute within the Capital. The circulation area for the Metro station and bus terminal is common to enable easy access to both systems.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has also planned a 12-metre-wide passage connecting the Metro station from the ground level to the ISBT and Indian Railways station, which will be open for people round the clock.
The sprawling station building, spread across five floors on a 4,900 square meter area, has the platform at the top (third) level. The concourse with the ticket booths and other facilities is located on the second floor. The lower two floors will be utilised for property development and general circulation of crowd. Much on the lines of transport centres in modern cities, the station building will have amenities like cafeterias and retail outlets where commuters can spend time as they wait for a train or bus.
The building is also being designed to give it a world-class look it will have a glazed aluminium composite panel (ACP) facade. Aesthetics apart, the advantage of using ACP is that it is maintenance free, reduces dampness and seepage and does not require frequent painting.
The Metro station has a huge parking facility for over 500 vehicles so that people can drive to the plot, park their vehicles and take the Metro for onward journey. A proposal to construct a multi-level parking lot in this space is also being considered.
The construction of the station building is about 75% complete and is slated for a December 2009 opening, along with the rest of the line from Indraprastha to Anand Vihar. It is the last station on the 6.17-km-long corridor. There is a proposal to further extend the section by 2.57 km to Kaushambi and Vaishali in Ghaziabad. But the extension is awaiting approvals.
source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Come 2011, an estimated 2.5 lakh commuters will board the Delhi Metro from Anand Vihar the last stop before the Metro enters Ghaziabad making it the busiest station of Phase II barring the interchange stations.
The strategic location of this station it is bang at the Delhi-UP border at Maharajpur and shares boundaries with the new Anand Vihar railway station and an existing ISBT makes it an integral part of the Delhi Metro network. The transport complex is being designed to ensure that commuters using the three modes can use all the terminals without having to exit the complex.
It will be internally connected to the railway station coming up in the adjacent plot with a foot overbridge and an existing ISBT which is going to be ravamped before the Commonwealth Games, to ensure that those coming to Delhi by train or interstate buses can take the Metro from this point to commute within the Capital. The circulation area for the Metro station and bus terminal is common to enable easy access to both systems.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has also planned a 12-metre-wide passage connecting the Metro station from the ground level to the ISBT and Indian Railways station, which will be open for people round the clock.
The sprawling station building, spread across five floors on a 4,900 square meter area, has the platform at the top (third) level. The concourse with the ticket booths and other facilities is located on the second floor. The lower two floors will be utilised for property development and general circulation of crowd. Much on the lines of transport centres in modern cities, the station building will have amenities like cafeterias and retail outlets where commuters can spend time as they wait for a train or bus.
The building is also being designed to give it a world-class look it will have a glazed aluminium composite panel (ACP) facade. Aesthetics apart, the advantage of using ACP is that it is maintenance free, reduces dampness and seepage and does not require frequent painting.
The Metro station has a huge parking facility for over 500 vehicles so that people can drive to the plot, park their vehicles and take the Metro for onward journey. A proposal to construct a multi-level parking lot in this space is also being considered.
The construction of the station building is about 75% complete and is slated for a December 2009 opening, along with the rest of the line from Indraprastha to Anand Vihar. It is the last station on the 6.17-km-long corridor. There is a proposal to further extend the section by 2.57 km to Kaushambi and Vaishali in Ghaziabad. But the extension is awaiting approvals.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Park Heavens news available on twitter
Starting wednesday, June 3, 2009, Park Heavens News about parking and traffic in Delhi are available at Twitter also. Follow me at @lochanrajeev
Traffic diverted at Aurobindo Marg
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
source:http://www.indianexpress.com
After fresh leakage was spotted at some points in the stormwater drain running below Aurobindo Marg, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation decided on Tuesday to close the road for repair once again.
Leakage was first noticed after the rain on Sunday, following which the road was blocked for repair work and opened briefly today.
DMRC took the decision to repair the leakages completely as the drain runs along an under-construction Delhi Metro tunnel and more rains may lead to flooding.
As the road will be dug up to reach the drain, which is about five metres below the surface, traffic on Aurobindo Marg from the Indian Institute of Technology towards AIIMS has again been diverted through the Green Park market road, and vehicles coming from IIT side are being diverted from Aurobindo Place Shopping Complex point near the Green Park mosque.
Traffic is normal on the other side of the Aurobindo Marg from AIIMS to IIT.
Official said the leakage may have been caused due to backflow of water as the drain is blocked near Gautam Nagar due to another road construction.
"One side of the road was found partially caved-in due to leakage at in the stormwater drain. Though this was completely repaired and the road was opened this morning, Metro engineers decided to inspect the entire drain in the area as a precaution," said Anuj Dayal, spokesperson, DMRC.
During the inspection, leakages were found at two or three more locations. The DMRC now plans to dig up the entire drain for proper investigation and repair these points completely.
source:http://www.indianexpress.com
After fresh leakage was spotted at some points in the stormwater drain running below Aurobindo Marg, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation decided on Tuesday to close the road for repair once again.
Leakage was first noticed after the rain on Sunday, following which the road was blocked for repair work and opened briefly today.
DMRC took the decision to repair the leakages completely as the drain runs along an under-construction Delhi Metro tunnel and more rains may lead to flooding.
As the road will be dug up to reach the drain, which is about five metres below the surface, traffic on Aurobindo Marg from the Indian Institute of Technology towards AIIMS has again been diverted through the Green Park market road, and vehicles coming from IIT side are being diverted from Aurobindo Place Shopping Complex point near the Green Park mosque.
Traffic is normal on the other side of the Aurobindo Marg from AIIMS to IIT.
Official said the leakage may have been caused due to backflow of water as the drain is blocked near Gautam Nagar due to another road construction.
"One side of the road was found partially caved-in due to leakage at in the stormwater drain. Though this was completely repaired and the road was opened this morning, Metro engineers decided to inspect the entire drain in the area as a precaution," said Anuj Dayal, spokesperson, DMRC.
During the inspection, leakages were found at two or three more locations. The DMRC now plans to dig up the entire drain for proper investigation and repair these points completely.
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