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.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Multi-level-parking-planned-at-IGI/articleshow/5269665.cms

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.

Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/drunk-drivers-will-lose-licence-face-trial-court-told/546298/0

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

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

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/

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

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

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/

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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