Tuesday , Feb 23, 2010
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is all set to begin work on a multi-level parking lot in Pitampura, West Delhi. BJP leader and the Leader of Opposition, Delhi Legislative Assembly, Vijay Kumar Malhotra, laid the foundation stone for the parking lot on Monday.
To be constructed at a cost of Rs 25 crore, the parking lot will ease traffic chaos due to unauthorised parking, said Corporation officials.
The three-level parking lot will be developed across an area of approximately 2,143 square metres. The MCD will also "beautify" and develop a "green area" on the top-most level of the parking lot, in accordance with the Masterplan of Delhi-2021.
The project is part of around 20 multi-level parking lots the civic body plans to construct this year.
Earlier last month, the MCD had received a sum of Rs 469.80 crore from the Ministry of Urban Development under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission to fund the several multi-level automated parking lots proposed by it. Other multi-level parking lots will come up in areas like Shalimar Bagh, Ashok Vihar, Mohammedpur Village, Malviya Nagar, PVR Basant Lok, PVR Saket and Rajouri Garden.
Also present at the occasion was MCD Standing Committee chairperson Ram Krishan Singhal. Singhal said the Corporation would undertake around 22 such multi-level parking projects to tackle parking problems in the city. He, however, added that most often, such projects get delayed because the Corporation needs to approach multiple agencies for necessary clearances and approvals, which is a "time- taking affair."
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Multi-level-parking-to-come-up-in-West-Delhi/583017/
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Minto Bridge project to miss deadline
Monday, February 22, 2010
Lack of coordination between implementing agencies; blame game continues
The plan to add two more tracks to the historic Minto Bridge in order to widen the heritage structure and enhance inter-State connectivity before the Commonwealth Games here will now miss its deadline.
The reason being lack of coordination between the implementing agencies as well practical difficulties in execution of the project given the existing traffic chaos around Connaught Place.
The decision to widen the bridge was taken in 2003 by Northern Railway to maintain uniformity as the road width below this bridge is narrow compared to the road width on either side. According to Northern Railway, the project was to be implemented jointly by Northern Railway, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and New Delhi Municipal Council as one side of the area falls under the MCD and the other in New Delhi Municipal Council jurisdiction.
A Northern Railway official said: "As per normal procedure, the proportionate cost of widening of the bridge is required to be shared by the MCD, the Railways and the NDMC. A sum of Rs.400 lakh was released during 2003-04 on the basic demand of the Railway authorities for the project."
However, the MCD claims that although most part of the project remains on paper, the civic agency has already completed most work under its jurisdiction.
An MCD official said: "The MCD was supposed to construct a retaining wall on one side to widen the road falling under its jurisdiction. While the retaining wall has been constructed, we are currently shifting a pump to avoid rainwater stagnation under the bridge. The road will be widened after the pump is shifted."
However, Northern Railway and NDMC have not carried out any work under their jurisdiction so far. The reason, according to Northern Railway, is delay in getting requisite permissions.
"If the work was to be carried out all vehicular traffic in the area would have been restricted for six months. The Delhi Police Commissioner refused to grant us permission to divert traffic saying that because of the ongoing work related to Connaught Place redevelopment and construction of subways in the area there was already enough traffic chaos," a Northern Railway official said.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/minto-bridge-project-to-miss-deadline.html
Lack of coordination between implementing agencies; blame game continues
The plan to add two more tracks to the historic Minto Bridge in order to widen the heritage structure and enhance inter-State connectivity before the Commonwealth Games here will now miss its deadline.
The reason being lack of coordination between the implementing agencies as well practical difficulties in execution of the project given the existing traffic chaos around Connaught Place.
The decision to widen the bridge was taken in 2003 by Northern Railway to maintain uniformity as the road width below this bridge is narrow compared to the road width on either side. According to Northern Railway, the project was to be implemented jointly by Northern Railway, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and New Delhi Municipal Council as one side of the area falls under the MCD and the other in New Delhi Municipal Council jurisdiction.
A Northern Railway official said: "As per normal procedure, the proportionate cost of widening of the bridge is required to be shared by the MCD, the Railways and the NDMC. A sum of Rs.400 lakh was released during 2003-04 on the basic demand of the Railway authorities for the project."
However, the MCD claims that although most part of the project remains on paper, the civic agency has already completed most work under its jurisdiction.
An MCD official said: "The MCD was supposed to construct a retaining wall on one side to widen the road falling under its jurisdiction. While the retaining wall has been constructed, we are currently shifting a pump to avoid rainwater stagnation under the bridge. The road will be widened after the pump is shifted."
However, Northern Railway and NDMC have not carried out any work under their jurisdiction so far. The reason, according to Northern Railway, is delay in getting requisite permissions.
"If the work was to be carried out all vehicular traffic in the area would have been restricted for six months. The Delhi Police Commissioner refused to grant us permission to divert traffic saying that because of the ongoing work related to Connaught Place redevelopment and construction of subways in the area there was already enough traffic chaos," a Northern Railway official said.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/minto-bridge-project-to-miss-deadline.html
Traffic cops finalize Commonwealth Game plan
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The ongoing fiasco on the Delhi-Faridabad routes, where lakhs of Delhiites got stuck in endless traffic jams after a Surajkund Road, a vital link between the two towns, was unceremoniously shut off as part of security arrangements for Commonwealth shooting event has left people wondering what's in store for them when the actual Games happen in the city in October this year. With multiple events taking place in several parts of the city for 11 days, and traffic volumes remaining the same, the traffic police say they have a "challenging" job at their hands.
The solution to the mess, Intelligent Traffic Signals (ITS), is also not going to take off by October as the tender process has been delayed. The cops say they have drawn up a comprehensive plan to ensure that the Commonwealth Games pass off well. "What is seen as Surajkund Road was a venue-specific problem. The access road to the shooting range is very narrow and the alternative routes are choked due to construction. The traffic plans for the Commonwealth Games have been finalized and several measures are being undertaken to ensure there is no inconvenience," said a senior traffic police official. Times City finds out how.
Improved road capacity and infrastructure upgradation
All the ongoing construction activity in the capital is going to end by September. Of this, a large number of projects will be completed in the next four months including flyovers, streetscaping of roads, Metro lines, work on stadiums and approach roads. With this, a lot of additional road space will be available for flow of traffic and the new projects will ease congestion at several points as the flyovers, underpasses, Metro lines, footpaths, foot overbridges will be available for use.
Scientific Transport Plan
The traffic police are mapping out the movement of each and every guest, including athletes and their kin, delegates, officials and media from the time they arrive at the Delhi airport till their departure. Movement of people has been planned to the minutest detail including maps on routes taken with exact timings of movement and modes of commute. Officials say the plans have been drafted for all stadiums, training venues, Games village, airport and even hotels. Everything will be rehearsed once the construction of the venues is complete.
Dedicated Games Lanes
While the Games are on, no road will be completely blocked off for general traffic. The situation on Surajkund Road is an exception as the stretch is very narrow and there isn't scope for a Games lane and a normal traffic lane. In October, on about 220 km of roads which will be used by those headed for different events, one lane of road space will be reserved exclusively for Games traffic. But officials said the curbs will be enforced only at the time when some movement is planned on these routes. At all times, general traffic will be permitted.
Traffic-calming measures
From October 3 to 14, when the games are on, Delhi government is planning to shut schools and colleges and are also writing to corporate houses to allow flexible work timimgs for employees to contain vehicular congestion on the roads. Government offices will also reportedly be instructed to restrict work hours in accordance to the events in the city. The idea is to have less congestion on the roads, especially those around Games venues, during peak office hours.
Public transport
With more buses being acquired and the Delhi Metro network being expanded to thrice its present capacity in the next few months, the government and traffic police is going to promote use of public transport in a big way for the Games. Wherever possible, spectators to events will be given incentive to use Delhi Metro or buses. Park and ride facilities are being created around all venues to restrict movement of vehicles too close to the venues.
Strict enforcement of traffic rules
The traffic police are going to step up prosecution and enforce traffic rules stringently during the Commonwealth Games. There will be a zero tolerance for offences like unauthorized parking, red light jumping, Games lane and stop line violation. The entire force of the traffic police along with traffic patrol motorcycles and PCR vans will be deployed on arterial roads at all times to check violators.
Additional manpower & modernization
The traffic police strength is expected to touch an all-time high before the Commonwealth Games as a major share of the total recruits in Delhi Police is coming to the traffic wing. The staff has been recruited and presently undergoing training. In addition, devices like cameras to monitor traffic movement, more cranes and clamps, Variable Message Sign (VMS) boards, GPS etc are being acquired for more effective enforcement.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/traffic-cops-finalize-commonwealth-game.html
The ongoing fiasco on the Delhi-Faridabad routes, where lakhs of Delhiites got stuck in endless traffic jams after a Surajkund Road, a vital link between the two towns, was unceremoniously shut off as part of security arrangements for Commonwealth shooting event has left people wondering what's in store for them when the actual Games happen in the city in October this year. With multiple events taking place in several parts of the city for 11 days, and traffic volumes remaining the same, the traffic police say they have a "challenging" job at their hands.
The solution to the mess, Intelligent Traffic Signals (ITS), is also not going to take off by October as the tender process has been delayed. The cops say they have drawn up a comprehensive plan to ensure that the Commonwealth Games pass off well. "What is seen as Surajkund Road was a venue-specific problem. The access road to the shooting range is very narrow and the alternative routes are choked due to construction. The traffic plans for the Commonwealth Games have been finalized and several measures are being undertaken to ensure there is no inconvenience," said a senior traffic police official. Times City finds out how.
Improved road capacity and infrastructure upgradation
All the ongoing construction activity in the capital is going to end by September. Of this, a large number of projects will be completed in the next four months including flyovers, streetscaping of roads, Metro lines, work on stadiums and approach roads. With this, a lot of additional road space will be available for flow of traffic and the new projects will ease congestion at several points as the flyovers, underpasses, Metro lines, footpaths, foot overbridges will be available for use.
Scientific Transport Plan
The traffic police are mapping out the movement of each and every guest, including athletes and their kin, delegates, officials and media from the time they arrive at the Delhi airport till their departure. Movement of people has been planned to the minutest detail including maps on routes taken with exact timings of movement and modes of commute. Officials say the plans have been drafted for all stadiums, training venues, Games village, airport and even hotels. Everything will be rehearsed once the construction of the venues is complete.
Dedicated Games Lanes
While the Games are on, no road will be completely blocked off for general traffic. The situation on Surajkund Road is an exception as the stretch is very narrow and there isn't scope for a Games lane and a normal traffic lane. In October, on about 220 km of roads which will be used by those headed for different events, one lane of road space will be reserved exclusively for Games traffic. But officials said the curbs will be enforced only at the time when some movement is planned on these routes. At all times, general traffic will be permitted.
Traffic-calming measures
From October 3 to 14, when the games are on, Delhi government is planning to shut schools and colleges and are also writing to corporate houses to allow flexible work timimgs for employees to contain vehicular congestion on the roads. Government offices will also reportedly be instructed to restrict work hours in accordance to the events in the city. The idea is to have less congestion on the roads, especially those around Games venues, during peak office hours.
Public transport
With more buses being acquired and the Delhi Metro network being expanded to thrice its present capacity in the next few months, the government and traffic police is going to promote use of public transport in a big way for the Games. Wherever possible, spectators to events will be given incentive to use Delhi Metro or buses. Park and ride facilities are being created around all venues to restrict movement of vehicles too close to the venues.
Strict enforcement of traffic rules
The traffic police are going to step up prosecution and enforce traffic rules stringently during the Commonwealth Games. There will be a zero tolerance for offences like unauthorized parking, red light jumping, Games lane and stop line violation. The entire force of the traffic police along with traffic patrol motorcycles and PCR vans will be deployed on arterial roads at all times to check violators.
Additional manpower & modernization
The traffic police strength is expected to touch an all-time high before the Commonwealth Games as a major share of the total recruits in Delhi Police is coming to the traffic wing. The staff has been recruited and presently undergoing training. In addition, devices like cameras to monitor traffic movement, more cranes and clamps, Variable Message Sign (VMS) boards, GPS etc are being acquired for more effective enforcement.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/traffic-cops-finalize-commonwealth-game.html
Commonwealth Games: Special buses, Metro station-stadium shuttle service for spectators
Sunday, February 21, 2010
A special DTC bus fleet, shuttle services from Metro stations to stadia and free travel in public transport for those carrying tickets are some aspects of a spectator transport plan formulated by the organisers of the Commonwealth Games to be held here in October.
The Games Organising Committee along with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has chalked out the plan to take care of transport requirements of the "ticketed spectators".
Some of the proposed measures include introduction of a special fleet of buses, providing a regular shuttle service to and from the various Metro stations across Delhi and Games venues, free passes for Games volunteers and workforce on duty, sources in the Organising Committee said.
"There are also plans to integrate the Delhi Metro and DTC services so that all spectators can commute conveniently between different locations in and around Delhi. The ticketed spectators will be entitled for free public transport in DTC buses and Delhi Metro, valid for the day of the competition," a source said.
The Commonwealth Games, to be held between October 3-14 in the national capital this year, is expected to draw around 100,000 foreign tourists to the city.
If the large number of Indian tourists and residents of Delhi and National Capital Region is also taken into account, the spectator count per day per event is expected to be in thousands per venue.
To ferry spectators to and from different Games' venues, DTC will be providing a special bus fleet consisting of more than 600 CNG-fuelled buses.
The OC and DTC have also identified various stops from where the buses will pick and drop passengers, the sources said, adding, the entire Delhi has been divided into five zones for the purpose --'East', 'West and South West', 'North', 'South and South East' and 'West and North West'.
The zones will have 'Hub Points' like Anand Vihar ISBT, Dhaula Kuan or RK Puram, ISBT (Kashmere Gate), Nehru Place Terminal and Shivaji Stadium which will serve as various 'Focal Points'.
The DTC Focal Point Bus Service would also be integrated with Delhi Metro wherein the buses would transport passengers up to Metro stations for venues that have Metro connectivity.
"This is expected to result in on-road traffic reduction with the Metro ferrying about 2000 commuters per trip as compared to a bus that would have a far lesser capacity, a source said. The frequency of shuttle services is currently being planned," the source said.
The requirement for the workforce, including volunteers, is being worked out on the basis of their deployment at various venues on shifts. The public transport is also accordingly proposed to be scheduled to suit the requirement.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/commonwealth-games-special-buses-metro.html
A special DTC bus fleet, shuttle services from Metro stations to stadia and free travel in public transport for those carrying tickets are some aspects of a spectator transport plan formulated by the organisers of the Commonwealth Games to be held here in October.
The Games Organising Committee along with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has chalked out the plan to take care of transport requirements of the "ticketed spectators".
Some of the proposed measures include introduction of a special fleet of buses, providing a regular shuttle service to and from the various Metro stations across Delhi and Games venues, free passes for Games volunteers and workforce on duty, sources in the Organising Committee said.
"There are also plans to integrate the Delhi Metro and DTC services so that all spectators can commute conveniently between different locations in and around Delhi. The ticketed spectators will be entitled for free public transport in DTC buses and Delhi Metro, valid for the day of the competition," a source said.
The Commonwealth Games, to be held between October 3-14 in the national capital this year, is expected to draw around 100,000 foreign tourists to the city.
If the large number of Indian tourists and residents of Delhi and National Capital Region is also taken into account, the spectator count per day per event is expected to be in thousands per venue.
To ferry spectators to and from different Games' venues, DTC will be providing a special bus fleet consisting of more than 600 CNG-fuelled buses.
The OC and DTC have also identified various stops from where the buses will pick and drop passengers, the sources said, adding, the entire Delhi has been divided into five zones for the purpose --'East', 'West and South West', 'North', 'South and South East' and 'West and North West'.
The zones will have 'Hub Points' like Anand Vihar ISBT, Dhaula Kuan or RK Puram, ISBT (Kashmere Gate), Nehru Place Terminal and Shivaji Stadium which will serve as various 'Focal Points'.
The DTC Focal Point Bus Service would also be integrated with Delhi Metro wherein the buses would transport passengers up to Metro stations for venues that have Metro connectivity.
"This is expected to result in on-road traffic reduction with the Metro ferrying about 2000 commuters per trip as compared to a bus that would have a far lesser capacity, a source said. The frequency of shuttle services is currently being planned," the source said.
The requirement for the workforce, including volunteers, is being worked out on the basis of their deployment at various venues on shifts. The public transport is also accordingly proposed to be scheduled to suit the requirement.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/commonwealth-games-special-buses-metro.html
Monday, February 22, 2010
Roadblock for MCD parking lot in walled city?
Thursday , Feb 18, 2010
The MCD's plan to construct a multi-level parking lot at the parade ground here to ease the traffic woes in the congested walled city appeared to have run into trouble.
The Archaeological Survey of India has raised objections to the site in view of its proximity with various heritage structures in the area, sources said.
The work on the Rs 50 crore multi-level under-ground car parking had begun on Tuesday. The facility will accommodate about 700 vehicles.
MCD spokesperson Deep Mathur said the corporation is yet to receive a written communication or a formal order from the ASI regarding the issue. "We will try to resolve all problems and once the ASI is satisfied, we will continue with the work," he said.
Original Article sourced from http://www.ptinews.com/news/525057_Roadblock-for-MCD-parking-lot-in-walled-city-
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Stop construction activity at HC parking site, Delhi Metro told
Thursday , Feb 18, 2010
There seems to be no end to the trouble surrounding the proposed multi-level parking lot at the Delhi High Court.
After the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) — the proponent of the project — was directed to stop work at the site due to its proximity to a 16th-Century Lodi-era tomb, the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) has now directed the Delhi Metro to stop all construction activity and remove their equipment from the site with immediate effect. The DUAC has also directed DMRC to get in touch with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take steps for conserving the heritage structure.
DUAC sources said the art commission, in its meeting on Wednesday, noted that since DMRC did not have the expertise to conserve the structure, it must approach the ASI. The commission has also asked the DMRC to bear the cost of the conservation. It added that the proposal will be considered only after DMRC follows the directions. "DMRC must approach us only through the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) now," a member said.
During a site visit by commission members earlier this month, it was found that in spite of the Stop Work notice issued by the NDMC, construction activity at the site was still on. According to DUAC sources, heavy equipment was being used just a few metres from the monument. Metro authorities, meanwhile, contended the cracks on the monument had been present before construction started. The DMRC also claimed it had installed sophisticated gadgets at the site to monitor the state of the tomb.
Original Article sourced from http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Stop-construction-activity-at-HC-parking-site--Delhi-Metro-told/581168/
Parade Ground Parking: MCD Begins Work
Tuesday , Feb 16, 2010
Work on multi-level underground parking site at Parade Ground started amidst protest from Shri Dharmik Ramlila committee which organises the Ramlila at the grounds every year.
The committee is demanding that construction of the parking lot should only begin after the Ramlila this year. MCD, however, said that it would continue with construction of the parking lot as it would help decongest Chandni Chowk. Said press and information director Deep Mathur: ``We will continue with our work at Parade Ground. We are only using half of the ground for construction of the parking site. The parking lot should be ready in 16 months. This will benefit the people of Chandni Chowk as it is a commercial hub and also a lot of tourists visit the area. About 1,000 cars can be parked here. While 650 will be accommodated underground, 250 will be parked at ground level.'' The project will cost Rs 50 crore and the area's trader associations support it.
Said Ravi Jain, of the Shir Dharmik Ramlila committee: ``We were given assurances by MCD officials that work on the parking lot would only start after the Ramlila this year. We would have then discussed the matter with MCD to see if building a multi-level parking at Parade Ground was required or not. The civic agency has converted every other ground in the area into a parking lot. Parking is already allowed at Gandhi Maidan and Dangal Maidan.''
MCD had zeroed in on Parade Ground after the underground multi-level parking lot they had to make at Shaheed Park hit a roadblock in the form of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Under fire from Delhi High Court for granting construction permission to various agencies within 100m of protected monuments, ASI had refused to give MCD permission for the project saying it was in the prohibited area of two centrally-protected monuments Khooni Darwaaza and Ferozeshah Kotla ruins. Though the parking plan was specifically meant for office-goers in Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, MCD shifted the site to Parade Ground near Chandni Chowk.
Original Article sourced from http://www.delhiscoop.com/story/2010/2/16/225135/024
Friday, February 19, 2010
Surajkund block: motorists upset
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Ravi Ranjan (37) left for work on 7 am at Thursday. The time he hoped to make it to his Nehru Place office — less than 20 kms away from his Surajkund home — was 9:30 am. Thanks to the traffic restrictions due to the Commonwealth games shooting championship at Dr. Karni Singh shooting range near Tughlaqabad, Ranjan, a human resource consultant, and many other commuters like him, have had a nightmarish stint with traffic the last couple of days.
On Wednesday, Ranjan was among thousands of people living in the upmarket colonies of Charmwood village, Green Field and residential apartments near Surajkund, who were caught off guard due to closure of the Surajkund Road.
The Delhi traffic police had closed the road, which connects Surajkund in Faridabad with the Mehrauli - Badarpur Road in Delhi, on Wednesday morning to provide more security to the shooting range, the venue for the Commonwealth shooting championship.
The five-kilometre Surajkund Road stretch is used by those who live near Surajkund or want to avoid Badarpur Border, which remains clogged due to the construction of a flyover and a metro line.
Lack of Coordination
"The traffic restrictions were put in place by Delhi traffic police without any information to us," said Raj Kumar, assistant commissioner of police (traffic), Faridabad.
"We were left with no option but to divert traffic from Surajkund round about towards Prahladpur," Kumar added.
The traffic restriction will remain in place from 7 am to 6 pm on the Surajkund Road till February 28.
Delhi traffic police officers agreed that there was a "small lapse" in issuing an advisory tand "coordination issue" with the Faridabad traffic police.
"But a few things (regarding the traffic plan) were finalised only at the last minute," joint commissioner of police (traffic) Satyendra Garg said.
Lessons learnt
Garg said the traffic police in Delhi reinforced its arrangements to ensure that the motorists were not inconvenienced. Many traffic policemen were deployed at congestion points to guide motorists.
"Though the volume of traffic was high, the situation was much improved because the traffic management was better and the motorists were also informed," Garg said.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/surajkund-block-motorists-upset.html
Ravi Ranjan (37) left for work on 7 am at Thursday. The time he hoped to make it to his Nehru Place office — less than 20 kms away from his Surajkund home — was 9:30 am. Thanks to the traffic restrictions due to the Commonwealth games shooting championship at Dr. Karni Singh shooting range near Tughlaqabad, Ranjan, a human resource consultant, and many other commuters like him, have had a nightmarish stint with traffic the last couple of days.
On Wednesday, Ranjan was among thousands of people living in the upmarket colonies of Charmwood village, Green Field and residential apartments near Surajkund, who were caught off guard due to closure of the Surajkund Road.
The Delhi traffic police had closed the road, which connects Surajkund in Faridabad with the Mehrauli - Badarpur Road in Delhi, on Wednesday morning to provide more security to the shooting range, the venue for the Commonwealth shooting championship.
The five-kilometre Surajkund Road stretch is used by those who live near Surajkund or want to avoid Badarpur Border, which remains clogged due to the construction of a flyover and a metro line.
Lack of Coordination
"The traffic restrictions were put in place by Delhi traffic police without any information to us," said Raj Kumar, assistant commissioner of police (traffic), Faridabad.
"We were left with no option but to divert traffic from Surajkund round about towards Prahladpur," Kumar added.
The traffic restriction will remain in place from 7 am to 6 pm on the Surajkund Road till February 28.
Delhi traffic police officers agreed that there was a "small lapse" in issuing an advisory tand "coordination issue" with the Faridabad traffic police.
"But a few things (regarding the traffic plan) were finalised only at the last minute," joint commissioner of police (traffic) Satyendra Garg said.
Lessons learnt
Garg said the traffic police in Delhi reinforced its arrangements to ensure that the motorists were not inconvenienced. Many traffic policemen were deployed at congestion points to guide motorists.
"Though the volume of traffic was high, the situation was much improved because the traffic management was better and the motorists were also informed," Garg said.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/surajkund-block-motorists-upset.html
Monday, February 15, 2010
Entry and exit points for Games, city stations to get a facelift
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Northern Railways may not be expecting much additional rush of commuters during the Commonwealth Games this October but being important entry and exit points, the city's three main railway stations will get a significant facelift ahead of the Games.
While little work needs to be done on the newly opened Anand Vihar terminal in East Delhi, the three other major stations — New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin — are expected to be spruced up extensively.
According to plans, the circulating area of vehicles at the entrance towards the Paharganj side of New Delhi railway station will be completely redesigned and will have dedicated lanes for auto-rickshaws, taxis and private vehicles. The circulating area has been a problem point due to congestion and improper parking, and as a result auto-rickshaws and taxis usually refuse to drop passengers inside the station premises.
Taking note of this, the railways authorities have decided to redesign the circulating area to facilitate smooth movement of traffic at the entrance.
Northern Railways divisional railway manager Ashwani Lohani said, "The new design for the circulating area has been finalised and approved by the Delhi Traffic Police. Proper signages will be installed to direct entry and exit points and demarcate exact areas for autos and taxis to wait. We are also redesigning the parking area."
Lohani said the contract is yet to be awarded but will be done over the next month. "The parking area will also be redesigned to ensure there is no congestion at the entrance."
Work to upgrade all the stations will be complete over the next five or six months, Lohani said. "By the time the Commonwealth Games arrive, we will be able to change the face of the railway stations. A lot of work is also being done to give a qualitative facelift to all three stations in terms of cleanliness and the overall environment inside them."
"We are in the process of procuring several machines to clean the station premises because the stations are spread over a large area and it is difficult to keep them clean manually," he said.
As part of the beautification process, stainless steel will be used extensively at New Delhi station to lend it a contemporary look. Officials said water booths, railings and seats on the platforms will be made of steel to increase the durability of the structures.
Steel structures are also easy to maintain, officials said.
Under the beautification plans, the enquiry system might also be made more foolproof with a computerised information centre giving out common feed to all railway stations. Lohani said, "The enquiry system is being upgraded — communicating information, like train delays and arrival or departure timings, will be made electronic.
"Ticket checkers will be given handheld devices to communicate information on train delays. A number of large LCD screens will also be put up at vantage points inside the stations."
ON TRACK: FASHION STATIONS
At New Delhi station
* Circulating area on Paharganj side to be redesigned to facilitate smooth movement of traffic at entrance
* Signages to be installed to direct entry and exit points and demarcate areas for autos and taxis — parking area to be also redesigned
At all stations
* Machines to be procured to clean station premises
* Stainless steel water booths, railings and seats on platforms to be constructed to increase durability
* Enquiry system to be updated
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/entry-and-exit-points-for-games-city-stations-to-get-a-facelift/579468/0
The Northern Railways may not be expecting much additional rush of commuters during the Commonwealth Games this October but being important entry and exit points, the city's three main railway stations will get a significant facelift ahead of the Games.
While little work needs to be done on the newly opened Anand Vihar terminal in East Delhi, the three other major stations — New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin — are expected to be spruced up extensively.
According to plans, the circulating area of vehicles at the entrance towards the Paharganj side of New Delhi railway station will be completely redesigned and will have dedicated lanes for auto-rickshaws, taxis and private vehicles. The circulating area has been a problem point due to congestion and improper parking, and as a result auto-rickshaws and taxis usually refuse to drop passengers inside the station premises.
Taking note of this, the railways authorities have decided to redesign the circulating area to facilitate smooth movement of traffic at the entrance.
Northern Railways divisional railway manager Ashwani Lohani said, "The new design for the circulating area has been finalised and approved by the Delhi Traffic Police. Proper signages will be installed to direct entry and exit points and demarcate exact areas for autos and taxis to wait. We are also redesigning the parking area."
Lohani said the contract is yet to be awarded but will be done over the next month. "The parking area will also be redesigned to ensure there is no congestion at the entrance."
Work to upgrade all the stations will be complete over the next five or six months, Lohani said. "By the time the Commonwealth Games arrive, we will be able to change the face of the railway stations. A lot of work is also being done to give a qualitative facelift to all three stations in terms of cleanliness and the overall environment inside them."
"We are in the process of procuring several machines to clean the station premises because the stations are spread over a large area and it is difficult to keep them clean manually," he said.
As part of the beautification process, stainless steel will be used extensively at New Delhi station to lend it a contemporary look. Officials said water booths, railings and seats on the platforms will be made of steel to increase the durability of the structures.
Steel structures are also easy to maintain, officials said.
Under the beautification plans, the enquiry system might also be made more foolproof with a computerised information centre giving out common feed to all railway stations. Lohani said, "The enquiry system is being upgraded — communicating information, like train delays and arrival or departure timings, will be made electronic.
"Ticket checkers will be given handheld devices to communicate information on train delays. A number of large LCD screens will also be put up at vantage points inside the stations."
ON TRACK: FASHION STATIONS
At New Delhi station
* Circulating area on Paharganj side to be redesigned to facilitate smooth movement of traffic at entrance
* Signages to be installed to direct entry and exit points and demarcate areas for autos and taxis — parking area to be also redesigned
At all stations
* Machines to be procured to clean station premises
* Stainless steel water booths, railings and seats on platforms to be constructed to increase durability
* Enquiry system to be updated
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/entry-and-exit-points-for-games-city-stations-to-get-a-facelift/579468/0
An airport to park cars
Thursday, February 11, 2010
For nearly half a century, not a single commercial flight has landed or taken off from the Safdarjung airport. Now, the airport is being reinvented as a giant parking lot.
Once home to Dakota and Cessna aircraft, the capital's first airport will now accommodate cars and buses for the Commonwealth Games to be held in October.
The New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) is building a park-and-ride facility here and is beautifying the airstrip in consultation with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which owns the airport.
People visiting the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, one of the Games venues, will be able to park their vehicles here and board a bus to the stadium.
Till just a few years ago, motorists driving on the Safdarjung flyover would slow down their cars to watch small aircraft and gliders land on the airstrip.
Now, all they can see is construction work going on at a war footing to build the huge parking lot before the games.
The parking lot will be spread over 1.65 lakh square metres and will accommodate 3,000 cars, 600 buses and a few hundred two wheelers.
"The parking will be open to visitors for the Commonwealth Games, who will park their vehicles here and take a bus to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and back," said Ramesh Raina, NDMC's Chief Engineer.
"We are cementing the whole surface and covering it with 'Pavers'," he said. "Once the Games are over, these pavers will be taken out and reused elsewhere," he said.
NDMC will also build public conveniences, resting sheds, booths for security checks and other facilities here. After the Games, the whole parking area and other temporary utility structures will be razed and the NDMC will restore the airport back to its original state.
The Safdarjung airport, earlier called the Willingdon airport, was built more than 80 years ago and was in use till the 1960s.
The airstrip, however, was not big enough to accommodate Jet planes and the Palam airport became the city's main airport.
The runway was being used by the Delhi Flying Club for small planes, but after 9/11, all such flights from the airport were banned due to security reasons. The airport has been lying idle since then and is only used for VIP helicopters.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/airport-to-park-cars.html
For nearly half a century, not a single commercial flight has landed or taken off from the Safdarjung airport. Now, the airport is being reinvented as a giant parking lot.
Once home to Dakota and Cessna aircraft, the capital's first airport will now accommodate cars and buses for the Commonwealth Games to be held in October.
The New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) is building a park-and-ride facility here and is beautifying the airstrip in consultation with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which owns the airport.
People visiting the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, one of the Games venues, will be able to park their vehicles here and board a bus to the stadium.
Till just a few years ago, motorists driving on the Safdarjung flyover would slow down their cars to watch small aircraft and gliders land on the airstrip.
Now, all they can see is construction work going on at a war footing to build the huge parking lot before the games.
The parking lot will be spread over 1.65 lakh square metres and will accommodate 3,000 cars, 600 buses and a few hundred two wheelers.
"The parking will be open to visitors for the Commonwealth Games, who will park their vehicles here and take a bus to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and back," said Ramesh Raina, NDMC's Chief Engineer.
"We are cementing the whole surface and covering it with 'Pavers'," he said. "Once the Games are over, these pavers will be taken out and reused elsewhere," he said.
NDMC will also build public conveniences, resting sheds, booths for security checks and other facilities here. After the Games, the whole parking area and other temporary utility structures will be razed and the NDMC will restore the airport back to its original state.
The Safdarjung airport, earlier called the Willingdon airport, was built more than 80 years ago and was in use till the 1960s.
The airstrip, however, was not big enough to accommodate Jet planes and the Palam airport became the city's main airport.
The runway was being used by the Delhi Flying Club for small planes, but after 9/11, all such flights from the airport were banned due to security reasons. The airport has been lying idle since then and is only used for VIP helicopters.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/airport-to-park-cars.html
Delhi spending Rs200 crore to resurface roads before Commonwealth
Thursday, February 11, 2010
All major roads in the national capital would wear a new look ahead of the Commonwealth Games with the governmentspending Rs200 crore to resurface them using latest technology.
PWD minister Raj Kumar Chauhan said a total of 4,24km of roads in the city are being rebuilt under the road beautification project which would be completed much before commencement of the sporting event in October.
He said the roads are being resurfaced using best international technology and some of them are being rebuilt by mixing waste plastic with bitumen to increase their longevity.
Elaborating his department's efforts to improve conditions of major roads in the city ahead of the mega event, Chauhan said special attention was being given to beautify roads in and around the venues of the Games.
Chauhan was speaking after inspecting progress of resurfacing of roads with recycling and micro surfacing technology in South Delhi.
He said about 42 kms of roads are being built in South Delhi using recycling method.
Roads being resurfaced using recycling method includes Mahrauli Mahipalpur road, Nelson Mandela Marg, Vedant Dixika Marg, Africa Avenue Marg and Guru Ravidas Marg.
Officials said roads being built using micro surfacing will be waterproof.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/delhi-spending-rs200-crore-to-resurface.html
All major roads in the national capital would wear a new look ahead of the Commonwealth Games with the governmentspending Rs200 crore to resurface them using latest technology.
PWD minister Raj Kumar Chauhan said a total of 4,24km of roads in the city are being rebuilt under the road beautification project which would be completed much before commencement of the sporting event in October.
He said the roads are being resurfaced using best international technology and some of them are being rebuilt by mixing waste plastic with bitumen to increase their longevity.
Elaborating his department's efforts to improve conditions of major roads in the city ahead of the mega event, Chauhan said special attention was being given to beautify roads in and around the venues of the Games.
Chauhan was speaking after inspecting progress of resurfacing of roads with recycling and micro surfacing technology in South Delhi.
He said about 42 kms of roads are being built in South Delhi using recycling method.
Roads being resurfaced using recycling method includes Mahrauli Mahipalpur road, Nelson Mandela Marg, Vedant Dixika Marg, Africa Avenue Marg and Guru Ravidas Marg.
Officials said roads being built using micro surfacing will be waterproof.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/delhi-spending-rs200-crore-to-resurface.html
Thursday, February 11, 2010
No cap on eco-friendly rickshaws, says HC
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Cycle rickshaws can ply in the national capital without any curb on their number, the Delhi high court ruled on Wednesday, saying the fundamental right to earn livelihood cannot be denied to rickshaw-pullers.
Reversing an earlier verdict of its division bench, a full bench headed by Chief Justice A P Shah quashed MCD's cap of 99,000 rickshaws on the city's roads. "The right of an individual or citizen to ply cycle rickshaws or other forms of transport falls within the legitimate exercise of his freedom guaranteed under the Fundamental Rights of the Constitution," said the Bench also comprising Justices S Ravindra Bhatt and S Muralidhar.
The court said there was no objective material which can "remotely justify" imposition of a cap and pointed out that authorities have from time to time increased the upper limit of the number of rickshaws in the national capital and it cannot be fixed.
"Scientific and rational road management is an everyday challenge faced by municipal and police authorities in view of the expansion of vehicular traffic in metropolises and big cities. However, to say that a segment of such vehicles primarily non-motorized, have to be eliminated altogether or drastically reduced, there has to be something more than a mere assumption," the court said in its 63-page verdict.
The high court warned Delhi police and other civic agencies not to harass rickshaw-pullers, saying this environment-friendly mode of transport is necessary in the city to cover short distances.
The bench also prohibited MCD from confiscating or destroying rickshaws without licences, pointing out there is no power with MCD to do so. "Bylaws to the extent they permit confiscation and scrapping of cycle rickshaws and mandate a continuing offence are without authority of law," the court held.
The court also set aside the "owner plier" policy being followed by MCD where it had insisted that only those owning a rickshaw could ply it. Reasoning that this barred poor unemployed youth from the right to earn livelihood, the judges said there was no evidence to show that renting of cycle rickshaws led to any exploitation of the poor.
Even as the court upheld zone-wise division of rickshaw plying policy made by MCD, it did comment on it, saying the agency needed to review it alongwith the decision to ban rickshaws on arterial roads. It also asked the government to ensure parking space is earmarked for cycle rickshaws.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/No-cap-on-eco-friendly-rickshaws-says-HC/articleshow/5558116.cms
Cycle rickshaws can ply in the national capital without any curb on their number, the Delhi high court ruled on Wednesday, saying the fundamental right to earn livelihood cannot be denied to rickshaw-pullers.
Reversing an earlier verdict of its division bench, a full bench headed by Chief Justice A P Shah quashed MCD's cap of 99,000 rickshaws on the city's roads. "The right of an individual or citizen to ply cycle rickshaws or other forms of transport falls within the legitimate exercise of his freedom guaranteed under the Fundamental Rights of the Constitution," said the Bench also comprising Justices S Ravindra Bhatt and S Muralidhar.
The court said there was no objective material which can "remotely justify" imposition of a cap and pointed out that authorities have from time to time increased the upper limit of the number of rickshaws in the national capital and it cannot be fixed.
"Scientific and rational road management is an everyday challenge faced by municipal and police authorities in view of the expansion of vehicular traffic in metropolises and big cities. However, to say that a segment of such vehicles primarily non-motorized, have to be eliminated altogether or drastically reduced, there has to be something more than a mere assumption," the court said in its 63-page verdict.
The high court warned Delhi police and other civic agencies not to harass rickshaw-pullers, saying this environment-friendly mode of transport is necessary in the city to cover short distances.
The bench also prohibited MCD from confiscating or destroying rickshaws without licences, pointing out there is no power with MCD to do so. "Bylaws to the extent they permit confiscation and scrapping of cycle rickshaws and mandate a continuing offence are without authority of law," the court held.
The court also set aside the "owner plier" policy being followed by MCD where it had insisted that only those owning a rickshaw could ply it. Reasoning that this barred poor unemployed youth from the right to earn livelihood, the judges said there was no evidence to show that renting of cycle rickshaws led to any exploitation of the poor.
Even as the court upheld zone-wise division of rickshaw plying policy made by MCD, it did comment on it, saying the agency needed to review it alongwith the decision to ban rickshaws on arterial roads. It also asked the government to ensure parking space is earmarked for cycle rickshaws.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/No-cap-on-eco-friendly-rickshaws-says-HC/articleshow/5558116.cms
Railways kickstart sprucing up of Old Delhi station before Commonwealth Games
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Keeping the Commonwealth Games in view, Railways today kicked off a Rs7 crore project at the Old Delhi station to spruce up its infrastructure, change its look and lend a contemporary touch to the place. The work will start with relaying of floor tiles in platform 1A and extending the platform sheds.
"During the period of the construction work, trains which originate or terminate in this platform will be relocated to other platforms causing minimum inconvenience to passengers," said a Northern Railway spokesperson.
The move is in tune with Railways' plan to redo the looks of its stations in the national capital before the Commonwealth Games as more than a lakh tourists are expected to descend in the city to watch the sporting extravaganza.
The spokesperson said a special chemical will be applied on the relaid floor tiles to make them dust-proof.
"All the 14 platforms floors would be relaid and provided with modern-looking chairs," he said, adding the entire project will entail an investment of Rs7 crore.
The project will also see establishment of new water kiosks and other passenger amenities, he said.
Prior to the launch of the new project at the Old Delhi station, Railways had carried out a similar exercise in New Delhi which also included the opening of the new terminal building at the Ajmeri Gate side.
The spokesperson said that the beautification work in Hazrat Nizamuddin station will also be taken up soon. Railways will also improve the looks of the stations falling in ring rail routes in the capital.
It has also launched a project to construct about 17 over-passes and under-passes in the Capital in association with the Delhi government at busy railway crossings to ensure seamless flow of traffic during the Games.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/railways-kickstart-sprucing-up-of-old.html
Keeping the Commonwealth Games in view, Railways today kicked off a Rs7 crore project at the Old Delhi station to spruce up its infrastructure, change its look and lend a contemporary touch to the place. The work will start with relaying of floor tiles in platform 1A and extending the platform sheds.
"During the period of the construction work, trains which originate or terminate in this platform will be relocated to other platforms causing minimum inconvenience to passengers," said a Northern Railway spokesperson.
The move is in tune with Railways' plan to redo the looks of its stations in the national capital before the Commonwealth Games as more than a lakh tourists are expected to descend in the city to watch the sporting extravaganza.
The spokesperson said a special chemical will be applied on the relaid floor tiles to make them dust-proof.
"All the 14 platforms floors would be relaid and provided with modern-looking chairs," he said, adding the entire project will entail an investment of Rs7 crore.
The project will also see establishment of new water kiosks and other passenger amenities, he said.
Prior to the launch of the new project at the Old Delhi station, Railways had carried out a similar exercise in New Delhi which also included the opening of the new terminal building at the Ajmeri Gate side.
The spokesperson said that the beautification work in Hazrat Nizamuddin station will also be taken up soon. Railways will also improve the looks of the stations falling in ring rail routes in the capital.
It has also launched a project to construct about 17 over-passes and under-passes in the Capital in association with the Delhi government at busy railway crossings to ensure seamless flow of traffic during the Games.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/railways-kickstart-sprucing-up-of-old.html
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Special task force for managing Delhi traffic
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
In a comprehensive judgment on management of traffic in the Capital, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Delhi Government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Delhi Development Authority and the Delhi Police to constitute a joint special task force to explore all questions pertaining to it.
The task force should concentrate on questions of minimising congestion, reducing pollution levels of motor vehicles and ensuring equitable access to all classes of vehicles that ply on the roads, including non-motorised transport such as bi-cycles and cycle-rickshaws.
A Full Bench of the Court comprising Justice A.P. Shah, Justice S. Ravindra Bhat and Justice S. Muralidhar passed the order on public interest litigations by non-government organisations-- Manushi and Initiative Transportation and Development-- challenging the ceiling on issuance of licences for plying and creation of zones for cycle-rickshaws.
The Bench said the Government should constitute the force within six weeks of the judgment and also provide adequate budgetary support for it.
A traffic expert; a nominee of the Commissioner of Police, a town planning expert nominated by the Delhi Development Authority; two nominees from the private sector, or drawn from autonomous institutions; a nominee with expertise in air pollution control drawn from a voluntary agency or non-government organization and a nominee from a non-government organisation with experience in the field of environment and urban livelihood should be members of the force, the judgment said.
The Principal Secretary (Transport) of the Delhi Government will be its Member-Secretary.
It should review all aspects pertaining to traffic flow, registration of vehicles, restrictions in respect of vehicular movement (of all classes of vehicles –heavy, light, private, non-motorised) which would include review and consideration of all existing policies and regulatory measures and make such recommendations as would promote the objectives of ensuring equitable access to all kinds of vehicles, the Bench said.
Further, it should also consider ways for minimising harmful impact on the environment, smoothening the flow of traffic accommodating the concerns of all interests. It might also make interim reports, recommend pilot projects and consider feasibility of any new practice or policy, the judgment said.
It should consider the views of all those interested in presenting them with a view to take a broader perspective, and to achieve this, it should place its viewpoints on the public domain and invite comments or objections on its proposals, the judgment stated.
Any proposal which the Delhi Government or the local body or any other local authority or agency wishes to implement should notify to the general public for information, the judgment stated.
The Bench ordered that the first meeting of the task force should take place within eight weeks from wednesday.
It directed that the petitions be listed on April 7 before a Division Bench to monitor the progress of implementation of this judgment, and thereafter it should be listed on the second Wednesday of each month.
Original news source http://beta.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/article104550.ece
In a comprehensive judgment on management of traffic in the Capital, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Delhi Government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Delhi Development Authority and the Delhi Police to constitute a joint special task force to explore all questions pertaining to it.
The task force should concentrate on questions of minimising congestion, reducing pollution levels of motor vehicles and ensuring equitable access to all classes of vehicles that ply on the roads, including non-motorised transport such as bi-cycles and cycle-rickshaws.
A Full Bench of the Court comprising Justice A.P. Shah, Justice S. Ravindra Bhat and Justice S. Muralidhar passed the order on public interest litigations by non-government organisations-- Manushi and Initiative Transportation and Development-- challenging the ceiling on issuance of licences for plying and creation of zones for cycle-rickshaws.
The Bench said the Government should constitute the force within six weeks of the judgment and also provide adequate budgetary support for it.
A traffic expert; a nominee of the Commissioner of Police, a town planning expert nominated by the Delhi Development Authority; two nominees from the private sector, or drawn from autonomous institutions; a nominee with expertise in air pollution control drawn from a voluntary agency or non-government organization and a nominee from a non-government organisation with experience in the field of environment and urban livelihood should be members of the force, the judgment said.
The Principal Secretary (Transport) of the Delhi Government will be its Member-Secretary.
It should review all aspects pertaining to traffic flow, registration of vehicles, restrictions in respect of vehicular movement (of all classes of vehicles –heavy, light, private, non-motorised) which would include review and consideration of all existing policies and regulatory measures and make such recommendations as would promote the objectives of ensuring equitable access to all kinds of vehicles, the Bench said.
Further, it should also consider ways for minimising harmful impact on the environment, smoothening the flow of traffic accommodating the concerns of all interests. It might also make interim reports, recommend pilot projects and consider feasibility of any new practice or policy, the judgment said.
It should consider the views of all those interested in presenting them with a view to take a broader perspective, and to achieve this, it should place its viewpoints on the public domain and invite comments or objections on its proposals, the judgment stated.
Any proposal which the Delhi Government or the local body or any other local authority or agency wishes to implement should notify to the general public for information, the judgment stated.
The Bench ordered that the first meeting of the task force should take place within eight weeks from wednesday.
It directed that the petitions be listed on April 7 before a Division Bench to monitor the progress of implementation of this judgment, and thereafter it should be listed on the second Wednesday of each month.
Original news source http://beta.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/article104550.ece
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Security exercises for Commonwealth Games kick off Wednesday
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Dry runs to check the level of security preparedness, emergency response, behaviour and coordination among various agencies ahead of the New Delhi Commonwealth Games will kick off at a shooting competition at the Dr Karni Singh shooting range in south-east Delhi Wednesday.
A temporary venue security command has also been set up at the shooting range and the multiple agencies involved in the exercise are the ministry of home affairs, Delhi airport, district police, traffic police, security cell, special cell, central paramilitary forces including National Security Guard (NSG), intelligence agencies and civil administration authorities like Municipal Corporation of Delhi (DTC), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Delhi Fire Service (DFS).
"It has been decided at a meeting with Delhi Police, organising committee and other agencies to take every event as run up to the Commonwealth Games. It will be a full-fledged rehearsal where multiple agencies will coordinate and work hand-in-hand to prevent any untoward incident," a highly placed security source told IANS.
"Wednesday's shooting event is the dress rehearsal for the Commonwealth Games. We will follow the drill of taking players and athletes from the airport or their respective place of accommodation to the stadium as per the pre-decided planning with all concerned agencies," the official added.
The response of all stakeholders will again be monitored Feb 18-28 when the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) will organise another shooting competition at the range.
The same drill come into play at the World Cup Hockey, which will take place Feb 28-March 13 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the heart of the national capital. Twelve countries, including Pakistan, Germany and Australia, are participating in the event.
The next security check will be during the March 7-13 archery event at the Yamuna Sports Complex. According to highly placed sources, these dry runs will be conducted till the start Commonwealth Games Oct 3. Over 70 countries are participating in the Games that will be held at different venues in the national capital and its suburbs Oct 3-14.
Though the government and the organisers are committed to safe Games, security continues to be the prime concern of quite a few participating countries, including Britain and Australia.
A delegation of security experts from Britain, which was here last month in the wake of concerns raised by some of their athletes, expressed its satisfaction over the security arrangements for the Games.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/security-exercises-for-commonwealth.html
Dry runs to check the level of security preparedness, emergency response, behaviour and coordination among various agencies ahead of the New Delhi Commonwealth Games will kick off at a shooting competition at the Dr Karni Singh shooting range in south-east Delhi Wednesday.
A temporary venue security command has also been set up at the shooting range and the multiple agencies involved in the exercise are the ministry of home affairs, Delhi airport, district police, traffic police, security cell, special cell, central paramilitary forces including National Security Guard (NSG), intelligence agencies and civil administration authorities like Municipal Corporation of Delhi (DTC), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Delhi Fire Service (DFS).
"It has been decided at a meeting with Delhi Police, organising committee and other agencies to take every event as run up to the Commonwealth Games. It will be a full-fledged rehearsal where multiple agencies will coordinate and work hand-in-hand to prevent any untoward incident," a highly placed security source told IANS.
"Wednesday's shooting event is the dress rehearsal for the Commonwealth Games. We will follow the drill of taking players and athletes from the airport or their respective place of accommodation to the stadium as per the pre-decided planning with all concerned agencies," the official added.
The response of all stakeholders will again be monitored Feb 18-28 when the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) will organise another shooting competition at the range.
The same drill come into play at the World Cup Hockey, which will take place Feb 28-March 13 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the heart of the national capital. Twelve countries, including Pakistan, Germany and Australia, are participating in the event.
The next security check will be during the March 7-13 archery event at the Yamuna Sports Complex. According to highly placed sources, these dry runs will be conducted till the start Commonwealth Games Oct 3. Over 70 countries are participating in the Games that will be held at different venues in the national capital and its suburbs Oct 3-14.
Though the government and the organisers are committed to safe Games, security continues to be the prime concern of quite a few participating countries, including Britain and Australia.
A delegation of security experts from Britain, which was here last month in the wake of concerns raised by some of their athletes, expressed its satisfaction over the security arrangements for the Games.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/security-exercises-for-commonwealth.html
Monday, February 8, 2010
Traffic cops put brakes on delhi auto-cracy
Sunday, Feb 07, 2010
An auto in Dwarka was caught plying with a fake Delhi number painted on it, even as the auto had been registered in Uttar Pradesh on a different number. A criminal case of forgery has been registered
Another 50 autos which were impounded have seen no claimants so far, as there seemingly is some illegality in their paper work. The cops are probing each case now
In over 1,100 cases, auto drivers were caught without the mandatory PSV badge and driving license
The special drive initiated by Delhi Traffic Police in the last week, in which a whopping 10,000 autos have been prosecuted for a range of violations in just five days, has exposed the Capital's worst kept secret — that a majority of the autos are plying illegally. The core of the issue is the 55,000 cap on the total number of permits for autos. In the absence of any other equally effective mode of public transport, the gap between demand and supply is huge. And this has become the major cause of the present auto menace.
A large number of Three-wheeled Scooter Rickshaws (TSRs) caught by the cops for offences like overcharging, refusal and other road violations were without valid permits, driving licenses and PSV badges from the State transport department. In one of the cases, auto driver Rakesh Verma was caught driving an auto with a UP registration number (UP 14Y 9513) which had a fake Delhi number painted on it.
"Verma said that he wanted to operate the auto in Delhi, as it is more lucrative. So to avoid detection, he painted a fake number on it. A case under sections 417, 468, 471 and 482 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered in the matter with the Dwarka police station and is under investigation," said Satyendra Garg, Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic).
Industry sources reveal that the actual number of autos plying in the city could very well be double the legal limit. The chances of such an offence getting detected, unless the cops launch more such dedicated drives, is almost nil. Several autos have reportedly been caught with fake number plates in the past.
Another blatant violation is that the drivers of autos are not the real owners of the vehicles, which is not permitted by law. In fact, it is estimated that 90 percent auto drivers in the city don't own the vehicles and 'benami' autos operate freely.
In the drive started from February 8, the traffic police caught a total of 10,503 autos, of which 1,372 were impounded. About 900 drivers were without the mandatory PSV badges, 719 drivers were without valid driving licenses, 151 were ovecharging and another 85 for refusing to take passengers to destinations. The cops amassed about Rs 7.88 crore from fines collected from challans issued on the spot.
Also, due to lack of enforcement and regulation, old autos have changed hands several times but records of the transport department have not been updated. This, officials claim, poses a huge problem of enforcement as over 80 percent of the notices issued to autos go undelivered. Infact, even out of the autos impounded during the drive, there are no takers for about 50 vehicles. Encashing on the loopholes in the system are "auto-mafia" or financiers who own a majority of autos.
The transport department is introducing smart cards for autos. "We have started updation of records to bring about more accountability and step up prosecution," said a senior transport department official.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Traffic-cops-put-brakes-on-delhi-auto-cracy/articleshow/5544009.cms
An auto in Dwarka was caught plying with a fake Delhi number painted on it, even as the auto had been registered in Uttar Pradesh on a different number. A criminal case of forgery has been registered
Another 50 autos which were impounded have seen no claimants so far, as there seemingly is some illegality in their paper work. The cops are probing each case now
In over 1,100 cases, auto drivers were caught without the mandatory PSV badge and driving license
The special drive initiated by Delhi Traffic Police in the last week, in which a whopping 10,000 autos have been prosecuted for a range of violations in just five days, has exposed the Capital's worst kept secret — that a majority of the autos are plying illegally. The core of the issue is the 55,000 cap on the total number of permits for autos. In the absence of any other equally effective mode of public transport, the gap between demand and supply is huge. And this has become the major cause of the present auto menace.
A large number of Three-wheeled Scooter Rickshaws (TSRs) caught by the cops for offences like overcharging, refusal and other road violations were without valid permits, driving licenses and PSV badges from the State transport department. In one of the cases, auto driver Rakesh Verma was caught driving an auto with a UP registration number (UP 14Y 9513) which had a fake Delhi number painted on it.
"Verma said that he wanted to operate the auto in Delhi, as it is more lucrative. So to avoid detection, he painted a fake number on it. A case under sections 417, 468, 471 and 482 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered in the matter with the Dwarka police station and is under investigation," said Satyendra Garg, Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic).
Industry sources reveal that the actual number of autos plying in the city could very well be double the legal limit. The chances of such an offence getting detected, unless the cops launch more such dedicated drives, is almost nil. Several autos have reportedly been caught with fake number plates in the past.
Another blatant violation is that the drivers of autos are not the real owners of the vehicles, which is not permitted by law. In fact, it is estimated that 90 percent auto drivers in the city don't own the vehicles and 'benami' autos operate freely.
In the drive started from February 8, the traffic police caught a total of 10,503 autos, of which 1,372 were impounded. About 900 drivers were without the mandatory PSV badges, 719 drivers were without valid driving licenses, 151 were ovecharging and another 85 for refusing to take passengers to destinations. The cops amassed about Rs 7.88 crore from fines collected from challans issued on the spot.
Also, due to lack of enforcement and regulation, old autos have changed hands several times but records of the transport department have not been updated. This, officials claim, poses a huge problem of enforcement as over 80 percent of the notices issued to autos go undelivered. Infact, even out of the autos impounded during the drive, there are no takers for about 50 vehicles. Encashing on the loopholes in the system are "auto-mafia" or financiers who own a majority of autos.
The transport department is introducing smart cards for autos. "We have started updation of records to bring about more accountability and step up prosecution," said a senior transport department official.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Traffic-cops-put-brakes-on-delhi-auto-cracy/articleshow/5544009.cms
Friday, February 5, 2010
Officials asked to remove roadblocks to Delhi expressway
Friday, Feb 05, 2010
The Supreme Court Friday asked the union transport secretary and the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary to "sit together" to remove various hurdles in executing the Eastern Peripheral Expressway around Delhi to keep the capital free of heavy traffic.
A bench of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Justice S.H. Kapadia and Justice Aftab Alam gave the direction to the two bureaucrats of the central and the state government after it was told that no worthwhile progress has been made in the execution of the project.
Apprising the court of the progress so far, the court appointed special counsel Harish Salve said though Haryana has acquired the requisite land for the expressway in various districts through which the expressway is to pass, theUttar Pradesh government is showing no interest in execution of the project and is yet to acquire the land needed.
Eastern Peripheral Expressway is to bypass Delhi, relieving it of the burden of heavy traffic every day.
Original news source http://blog.taragana.com/law/2010/02/05/officials-asked-to-remove-roadblocks-to-delhi-expressway-19990/
The Supreme Court Friday asked the union transport secretary and the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary to "sit together" to remove various hurdles in executing the Eastern Peripheral Expressway around Delhi to keep the capital free of heavy traffic.
A bench of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Justice S.H. Kapadia and Justice Aftab Alam gave the direction to the two bureaucrats of the central and the state government after it was told that no worthwhile progress has been made in the execution of the project.
Apprising the court of the progress so far, the court appointed special counsel Harish Salve said though Haryana has acquired the requisite land for the expressway in various districts through which the expressway is to pass, theUttar Pradesh government is showing no interest in execution of the project and is yet to acquire the land needed.
Eastern Peripheral Expressway is to bypass Delhi, relieving it of the burden of heavy traffic every day.
Original news source http://blog.taragana.com/law/2010/02/05/officials-asked-to-remove-roadblocks-to-delhi-expressway-19990/
New traffic system planned for Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010
Thursday, Feb 04, 2010
The Delhi police are preparing a new and better traffic circulation system during the Commonwealth Games, Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi, has said.
According to her, smooth transportation of sportspersons to various sporting venues or stadia will be the most important aspect of the traffic plan for the Commonwealth Games, to be held in Delhi in October 2010.
The Chief Minister told reporters on the sidelines of a symposium on public transport, held in New Delhi, that a traffic plan for the Commonwealth Games is being worked out by the Delhi police. Since Delhi has the advantage of being round, there are a number of alternative routes available, she said.
According to R K Verma, Transport Commissioner of Delhi, the transport system is being bettered gradually. Before the Commonwealth Games, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will run 10,000 buses. There will be more Metro lines, R K Verma said, adding that the government hopes that more people will shift from using cars to using public transport. The focus of the traffic improvement will be on the effective use of the existing space and its potential.
In another important development regarding improving the traffic system for the Commonwealth Games 2010, Delhi police are likely to introduce soon the "e-payment' of traffic challans. This means that a traffic violator can punch his credit card or debit card number on the website www.delhitrafficpolice.nic.in
The system – named 'e-challaning' – is said to be based on the method adopted by the traffic police of Bangalore. In Bangalore, a traffic violator can pay online to a notice, by just typing in the notice number, the registration number of the vehicle and give his email address, along with the details of his credit card or debit card.
Ajay Chadha, Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Delhi, said that, in the e-challaning method, notices will be linked to the central system.
Besides, it has been proposed to provide police officers on beat duty on Delhi roads with Blackberry mobile phones, which will help them keep a tab on habitual traffic offenders.
The Delhi traffic police have already begun the process of selecting the company best suited for implementing the e-challaning system.
Ajay Chadha said that, in order to familiarise the public with the traffic circulation system for the Commonwealth Games, the traffic police will barricade and restrict movement of traffic on certain roads. The trial runs, which are likely to start in the middle of February 2010, will continue till the Commonwealth Games starts.
The first trial is expected to be held on the route that the athletes will take from the Indira Gandhi International Airport to reach the Games Village, located in East Delhi.
According to sources, the Delhi traffic police could conduct the trials during the hockey World Cup – to be held from February 28, 2010, to March 13, 2010 – on the route that the hockey teams will take to reach Dhyan Chand Stadium, near India Gate, from Le Meridian Hotel. This plan be will be later implemented in the stretch between the Games Village and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which is the venue for the opening ceremony and the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, as well as other sporting venues.
Original news source http://www.dancewithshadows.com/business/new-traffic-system-planned-for-delhi-commonwealth-games-2010/
The Delhi police are preparing a new and better traffic circulation system during the Commonwealth Games, Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi, has said.
According to her, smooth transportation of sportspersons to various sporting venues or stadia will be the most important aspect of the traffic plan for the Commonwealth Games, to be held in Delhi in October 2010.
The Chief Minister told reporters on the sidelines of a symposium on public transport, held in New Delhi, that a traffic plan for the Commonwealth Games is being worked out by the Delhi police. Since Delhi has the advantage of being round, there are a number of alternative routes available, she said.
According to R K Verma, Transport Commissioner of Delhi, the transport system is being bettered gradually. Before the Commonwealth Games, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will run 10,000 buses. There will be more Metro lines, R K Verma said, adding that the government hopes that more people will shift from using cars to using public transport. The focus of the traffic improvement will be on the effective use of the existing space and its potential.
In another important development regarding improving the traffic system for the Commonwealth Games 2010, Delhi police are likely to introduce soon the "e-payment' of traffic challans. This means that a traffic violator can punch his credit card or debit card number on the website www.delhitrafficpolice.nic.in
The system – named 'e-challaning' – is said to be based on the method adopted by the traffic police of Bangalore. In Bangalore, a traffic violator can pay online to a notice, by just typing in the notice number, the registration number of the vehicle and give his email address, along with the details of his credit card or debit card.
Ajay Chadha, Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Delhi, said that, in the e-challaning method, notices will be linked to the central system.
Besides, it has been proposed to provide police officers on beat duty on Delhi roads with Blackberry mobile phones, which will help them keep a tab on habitual traffic offenders.
The Delhi traffic police have already begun the process of selecting the company best suited for implementing the e-challaning system.
Ajay Chadha said that, in order to familiarise the public with the traffic circulation system for the Commonwealth Games, the traffic police will barricade and restrict movement of traffic on certain roads. The trial runs, which are likely to start in the middle of February 2010, will continue till the Commonwealth Games starts.
The first trial is expected to be held on the route that the athletes will take from the Indira Gandhi International Airport to reach the Games Village, located in East Delhi.
According to sources, the Delhi traffic police could conduct the trials during the hockey World Cup – to be held from February 28, 2010, to March 13, 2010 – on the route that the hockey teams will take to reach Dhyan Chand Stadium, near India Gate, from Le Meridian Hotel. This plan be will be later implemented in the stretch between the Games Village and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which is the venue for the opening ceremony and the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, as well as other sporting venues.
Original news source http://www.dancewithshadows.com/business/new-traffic-system-planned-for-delhi-commonwealth-games-2010/
Walkway with a view to be built on Mathura Road
Friday, Feb 05, 2010
In a refreshing change from the bulky, inaccessible and inconvenient foot overbridges blocking the skyline, the Delhi government is constructing one on Mathura Road near the Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium with a better design and lifts for the physically challenged.
The walkway is being built for the Public Works Department (PWD) by the Delhi Integrated Multi-modal Transit Service (DIMTS), a special purpose vehicle created by the Delhi government to implement its transport schemes, for the Commonwealth Games and easy access from the stadium to the Purana Qila parking lot.
According to DIMTS officials, there will be a walkway with landscaping near the approaches, and street furniture for the convenience of pedestrians.
"What makes this bridge special is the pipe-based steel structure of the bridge and the fact that it is the largest single-span bridge — a hanging bridge without any mid-support — which does not affect traffic," said a DIMTS official, adding that the walkway has been designed to give a good view of the Purana Qila as well.
Officials claim the foot overbridge can accommodate at least 5,000 people using the walkway in an hour, as against the usual capacity of a normal foot overbridge at 1,000 people in a day. While the construction of the foot overbridge began in October last year, it is expected to be completed by April this year.
Planned overbridge
The arches of the bridge are 59 metres long with the clear central span extending to 33 metres with a total gross weight of the walkway steel structure is approximately 40 metric tonnes.
Project cost: Rs 3.53 crore
Original news source http://www.dancewithshadows.com/business/new-traffic-system-planned-for-delhi-commonwealth-games-2010/
In a refreshing change from the bulky, inaccessible and inconvenient foot overbridges blocking the skyline, the Delhi government is constructing one on Mathura Road near the Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium with a better design and lifts for the physically challenged.
The walkway is being built for the Public Works Department (PWD) by the Delhi Integrated Multi-modal Transit Service (DIMTS), a special purpose vehicle created by the Delhi government to implement its transport schemes, for the Commonwealth Games and easy access from the stadium to the Purana Qila parking lot.
According to DIMTS officials, there will be a walkway with landscaping near the approaches, and street furniture for the convenience of pedestrians.
"What makes this bridge special is the pipe-based steel structure of the bridge and the fact that it is the largest single-span bridge — a hanging bridge without any mid-support — which does not affect traffic," said a DIMTS official, adding that the walkway has been designed to give a good view of the Purana Qila as well.
Officials claim the foot overbridge can accommodate at least 5,000 people using the walkway in an hour, as against the usual capacity of a normal foot overbridge at 1,000 people in a day. While the construction of the foot overbridge began in October last year, it is expected to be completed by April this year.
Planned overbridge
The arches of the bridge are 59 metres long with the clear central span extending to 33 metres with a total gross weight of the walkway steel structure is approximately 40 metric tonnes.
Project cost: Rs 3.53 crore
Original news source http://www.dancewithshadows.com/business/new-traffic-system-planned-for-delhi-commonwealth-games-2010/
Break traffic rule, get e-challan
Thursday, Feb 04, 2010
Delhi may soon have an E-way of paying traffic challans.
For a traffic violator, it could mean simply punching your credit or debit card number on the website www.delhitrafficpolice.nic.in.
In an effort to modernise the system before the Commonwealth Games in October, the Delhi Traffic police are making efforts to change the way they work.
The system will be called E-Challaning and is said to be closely based on the Bangalore Traffic Police's method. "In Bangalore a person can pay online to a notice. All he has to do is type in the notice number, the registration number of the vehicle and give his email id along with the credit or debit card details," said a senior police officer, requesting anonymity.
He added if the person commits future violations, the notice could be initially sent to them via e-mail.
"We are planning to introduce e-challaning to the city. We will link notices to the central system," said Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ajay Chadha.
Also, police officers on beat duty may be provided with Blackberry cellphones, which would give them a much-needed technological teeth for keeping a tab on habitual offenders.
The process has begun. The traffic police are sifting through different companies for the best deal to launch their project.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Break-traffic-rule-get-e-challan/H1-Article1-505028.aspx
Delhi may soon have an E-way of paying traffic challans.
For a traffic violator, it could mean simply punching your credit or debit card number on the website www.delhitrafficpolice.nic.in.
In an effort to modernise the system before the Commonwealth Games in October, the Delhi Traffic police are making efforts to change the way they work.
The system will be called E-Challaning and is said to be closely based on the Bangalore Traffic Police's method. "In Bangalore a person can pay online to a notice. All he has to do is type in the notice number, the registration number of the vehicle and give his email id along with the credit or debit card details," said a senior police officer, requesting anonymity.
He added if the person commits future violations, the notice could be initially sent to them via e-mail.
"We are planning to introduce e-challaning to the city. We will link notices to the central system," said Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ajay Chadha.
Also, police officers on beat duty may be provided with Blackberry cellphones, which would give them a much-needed technological teeth for keeping a tab on habitual offenders.
The process has begun. The traffic police are sifting through different companies for the best deal to launch their project.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Break-traffic-rule-get-e-challan/H1-Article1-505028.aspx
Delhi Allows Standard Floor Buses to Battle Delay in Low-floor
Wednesday, Feb 03, 2010
Even as the delivery of low floor buses could take some time, the Delhi cabinet Wednesday decided to allow private companies to buy standard floor buses to bridge the demand gap.
'The cabinet has also decided to allow standard floor modern city buses to be inducted by the private entities in the cluster scheme. The decision has been taken to overcome delay in implementation of the whole cluster scheme,' said Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.
'This will help in phasing out the existing Blueline buses,' she added.
At present the Blueline buses are run by individual operators who have either a single bus or or number of buses. Under the cluster scheme that was cleared by the government in November 2009, the capital has been divided into 17 clusters.
Every cluster would be run by a single operator only which would be selected by a bidding process. A cluster is a group of bus routes chosen on the basis of topography and traffic surveys to make it financially viable for the private operators.
According to a transport department official 'the decision to allow standard floor buses was taken due to the delay in supply of low floor buses.'
The government had planned to phase out Blueline buses by March 2010. But according to the transport department official, the city will miss the deadline and the phaseout will take few more months.
Original news source http://www.vamban.com/delhi-allows-standard-floor-buses-to-battle-delay-in-low-floor/
Even as the delivery of low floor buses could take some time, the Delhi cabinet Wednesday decided to allow private companies to buy standard floor buses to bridge the demand gap.
'The cabinet has also decided to allow standard floor modern city buses to be inducted by the private entities in the cluster scheme. The decision has been taken to overcome delay in implementation of the whole cluster scheme,' said Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.
'This will help in phasing out the existing Blueline buses,' she added.
At present the Blueline buses are run by individual operators who have either a single bus or or number of buses. Under the cluster scheme that was cleared by the government in November 2009, the capital has been divided into 17 clusters.
Every cluster would be run by a single operator only which would be selected by a bidding process. A cluster is a group of bus routes chosen on the basis of topography and traffic surveys to make it financially viable for the private operators.
According to a transport department official 'the decision to allow standard floor buses was taken due to the delay in supply of low floor buses.'
The government had planned to phase out Blueline buses by March 2010. But according to the transport department official, the city will miss the deadline and the phaseout will take few more months.
Original news source http://www.vamban.com/delhi-allows-standard-floor-buses-to-battle-delay-in-low-floor/
NDMC subway and underpass projects to be delayed
Tuesday, Feb 02, 2010
While most projects undertaken by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) are expected to be completed before the Commonwealth Games, two of its projects will commence only after the event is over.
The proposed subway at Shah Jahan Road and the underpass at BKS Marg, which were supposed to be completed before the Games, have been postponed as both the projects are facing technical hiccups.
While the subway could not get a clearance for traffic diversion from the Traffic Police, the underpass has been delayed as the area is under construction.
Work on various projects are going on at Baba Kharak Singh Marg — construction of the DMRC underground Airport Express Line, multi-level parking near the police station, redevelopment of the Hanuman Mandir Vatika and a parking lot for Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. The underpass will come up after the rest of the construction work in the area is over and the feasibility is worked out.
The proposed subway and the underpass were approved way back in 2005 to ease pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the areas under the municipal body's jurisdiction.
Apart from the two, however, the NDMC will go ahead will all its five projects - three footover bridges, an underpass at Shanti Path and a subway at Mandir Marg.
"Work has started on all projects and all these grade separators are proposed to be completed by September," an NDMC official said.
Till recently, the underpass at Shanti Path was held up on account of objections from the Railways.
In October, however, after a joint meeting between the Chief Minister, NDMC and Railway officials, the problem was sorted out and a NOC was issued by the Railways.
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ndmc-subway-and-underpass-projects-to-be-delayed/574271/0
While most projects undertaken by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) are expected to be completed before the Commonwealth Games, two of its projects will commence only after the event is over.
The proposed subway at Shah Jahan Road and the underpass at BKS Marg, which were supposed to be completed before the Games, have been postponed as both the projects are facing technical hiccups.
While the subway could not get a clearance for traffic diversion from the Traffic Police, the underpass has been delayed as the area is under construction.
Work on various projects are going on at Baba Kharak Singh Marg — construction of the DMRC underground Airport Express Line, multi-level parking near the police station, redevelopment of the Hanuman Mandir Vatika and a parking lot for Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. The underpass will come up after the rest of the construction work in the area is over and the feasibility is worked out.
The proposed subway and the underpass were approved way back in 2005 to ease pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the areas under the municipal body's jurisdiction.
Apart from the two, however, the NDMC will go ahead will all its five projects - three footover bridges, an underpass at Shanti Path and a subway at Mandir Marg.
"Work has started on all projects and all these grade separators are proposed to be completed by September," an NDMC official said.
Till recently, the underpass at Shanti Path was held up on account of objections from the Railways.
In October, however, after a joint meeting between the Chief Minister, NDMC and Railway officials, the problem was sorted out and a NOC was issued by the Railways.
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ndmc-subway-and-underpass-projects-to-be-delayed/574271/0
Metro’s steely resolve at station in Chhatarpur
Tuesday, Feb 02, 2010
Even as Delhi Metro's Gurgaon line will be flagged-off in June, the metro station at Chhatarpur — which an estimated 11,723 commuters will use by 2012 — will only open two months later. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is constructing a station building out of steel at this location as they faced land acquisition problems and were granted possession only in November last year. Over 600 tonnes of steel is being used to construct the columns and beams to save time. The station will be constructed in six months as against the normal three-year duration.
This is the first Metro station to be built in this manner. DMRC officials said that even as the basic frame of the station building will be created, the rest of the structures will take more time. The building is being created top-down so that the tracks can be laid and other services like signalling, electrification, roof and electrification works can be started first to make the line operational.
The construction of the rest of the viaduct on either sides of the station plot was completed nearly one year ago. The tracks have also been laid to run the trains on, but after that work had to be stalled as the signalling, electrical and traction tasks can't be completed with a gap in it. ''The steel structures were fabricated in a factory in Gurgaon. A slab is being cast at the track level using corrugated steel deck sheets, on which a layer of RCC will be put before the tracks are laid. The aim is to complete this first so that the rest of the line can be completed. About 70 percent of the construction is already complete,'' said the spokesperson. All the operational rooms have been shifted to the ground floor to save time.
The two hectare plot will house the main Metro station, a electrical sub station in 1 hectare, parking space and other utilities. DMRC had contemplated doing away with the Metro station after there were problem with acquiring three plots for construction.
But the gap between the two stations on either side — Qutub and Sultanpur — would have been 2.7 kms which is too long for a MRTS system. Also, this station is expected to cater to Vasant Kunj, Chhatarpur temple and the farmhouses and it also houses a huge parking lot which couldn't have been done away with.
Therefore, DMRC resorted to this rather unconventional construction technique to ensure that the Gurgaon line is opened in time.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Metros-steely-resolve-at-station-in-Chhatarpur/articleshow/5525765.cms
Even as Delhi Metro's Gurgaon line will be flagged-off in June, the metro station at Chhatarpur — which an estimated 11,723 commuters will use by 2012 — will only open two months later. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is constructing a station building out of steel at this location as they faced land acquisition problems and were granted possession only in November last year. Over 600 tonnes of steel is being used to construct the columns and beams to save time. The station will be constructed in six months as against the normal three-year duration.
This is the first Metro station to be built in this manner. DMRC officials said that even as the basic frame of the station building will be created, the rest of the structures will take more time. The building is being created top-down so that the tracks can be laid and other services like signalling, electrification, roof and electrification works can be started first to make the line operational.
The construction of the rest of the viaduct on either sides of the station plot was completed nearly one year ago. The tracks have also been laid to run the trains on, but after that work had to be stalled as the signalling, electrical and traction tasks can't be completed with a gap in it. ''The steel structures were fabricated in a factory in Gurgaon. A slab is being cast at the track level using corrugated steel deck sheets, on which a layer of RCC will be put before the tracks are laid. The aim is to complete this first so that the rest of the line can be completed. About 70 percent of the construction is already complete,'' said the spokesperson. All the operational rooms have been shifted to the ground floor to save time.
The two hectare plot will house the main Metro station, a electrical sub station in 1 hectare, parking space and other utilities. DMRC had contemplated doing away with the Metro station after there were problem with acquiring three plots for construction.
But the gap between the two stations on either side — Qutub and Sultanpur — would have been 2.7 kms which is too long for a MRTS system. Also, this station is expected to cater to Vasant Kunj, Chhatarpur temple and the farmhouses and it also houses a huge parking lot which couldn't have been done away with.
Therefore, DMRC resorted to this rather unconventional construction technique to ensure that the Gurgaon line is opened in time.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Metros-steely-resolve-at-station-in-Chhatarpur/articleshow/5525765.cms
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