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.''

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/DMRC-told-to-stop-work-on-HC-parking/articleshow/5166106.cms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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