Friday, July 30, 2010
Driving down to the new airport to pick up someone and intend using the new multilevel parking lot? Be prepared to shell out a bomb. Parking in the general category for half an hour is Rs 50 but a minute more than that and one could end up paying double. For frequent fliers who park their vehicles for more than eight hours, the charge is Rs 600.
The parking charges that have been finalized by Delhi International Airport (P) Ltd (DIAL) for the new parking facility which has come up at the new terminal T3 have been fixed at Rs 50 for the first 30 minutes in the general category and Rs 70 for the special category. For upto two hours, passengers will have to shell out Rs 100 and Rs 140 respectively. For every one hour subsequently, upto eight hours, Rs 50 and Rs 70 respectively will be added to this. Finally, if a vehicle is parked for more than eight hours, the daily charge would be Rs 600 and Rs 900 respectively.
Passengers who used the facility over the first two days were aghast at the fares. They claimed that it was taking an easy 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to walk out of the arrival terminal after landing in Delhi and there was no way that one could park for less than half an hour. "From the point when one lands to the time one leaves the terminal, there are several factors that determine how long it would take to complete all formalities. The current rates are also higher than those that were being charged at the new domestic terminal. I don't see why rates are different when facilities are the same,'' said Atul Makhija, who had come to pick up his wife at the new terminal.
The problem is even more acute at present since the airport is grappling with initial glitches. On Wednesday, passengers of the AI 102 that landed at T3 around 5.15pm took over an hour to get their baggage since the conveyor belt kept stalling frequently. "I called my brother when we landed and he reached the airport half an hour later but it still took us an additional 45 minutes to come out since there was some problem with the baggage. He ended up paying Rs 100 for parking the car,'' said Pratiksha Joshi, a passenger.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Parking-at-IGI-an-expensive-proposition-/articleshow/6234560.cms
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Biker killed soon after being given lessons by cops
Thursday, July 29, 2010
For Saket Khan (15) and two friends, Tuesday night — when the festival of Shab-e-Barat was being celebrated — was the occasion for a joyride on a bike across central Delhi. Hundreds of youth were similarly out on the streets, mostly on two-wheelers. The three boys were caught by cops and reprimanded for the way they were driving and for not wearing helmets. They were given leaflets on road safety and finally allowed to go.
They drove towards Majnu Ka Tila in north Delhi, apparently to get fuel, when on a flyover near the Tibetan colony, they were hit by an unidentified vehicle around 3.15am. Saket was rushed to LNJP Hospital where he was declared brought dead while the other two suffered injuries.
Saket's father, Rahees Ahmed (55), stays in east Delhi's New Ashok Nagar and has a big family. He runs a shoe shop in Sadar Bazaar. He was in a state of shock and couldn't comment on the incident.
When this reporter tried to contact senior traffic police officers on Wednesday, they said they would need to check facts and only then would they comment. However, they added that some challans were being issued to some numbers that were jotted down.
This comes close on the heels of another group of bikers performing stunts and harassing people in the Connaught Place area just a few days back. Why the cops don't crack down on such brazen violation of traffic rules, which could save some lives, is a mystery. Giving lessons on how to drive safely at midnight to hordes of violators makes a mockery of the law.
On Tuesday night, the bikers had a free run of south, central and north Delhi, primarily putting their own lives at risk. Almost all the bikes had three to four riders who were not wearing helmets though no stunts or violence of any kind was reported.
The cops pleaded they were helpless. "What can you do when the main focus for us is tackling terror?" said a central district officer. Joint commissioner (New Delhi Range) Dharmendra Kumar said they had stopped a few riders and "given them lessons in safe driving. There was overloading and some noise as they moved together. However, we ensured that they did not indulge in stunts," he said.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Biker-killed-soon-after-being-given-lessons-by-cops/articleshow/6230816.cms
For Saket Khan (15) and two friends, Tuesday night — when the festival of Shab-e-Barat was being celebrated — was the occasion for a joyride on a bike across central Delhi. Hundreds of youth were similarly out on the streets, mostly on two-wheelers. The three boys were caught by cops and reprimanded for the way they were driving and for not wearing helmets. They were given leaflets on road safety and finally allowed to go.
They drove towards Majnu Ka Tila in north Delhi, apparently to get fuel, when on a flyover near the Tibetan colony, they were hit by an unidentified vehicle around 3.15am. Saket was rushed to LNJP Hospital where he was declared brought dead while the other two suffered injuries.
Saket's father, Rahees Ahmed (55), stays in east Delhi's New Ashok Nagar and has a big family. He runs a shoe shop in Sadar Bazaar. He was in a state of shock and couldn't comment on the incident.
When this reporter tried to contact senior traffic police officers on Wednesday, they said they would need to check facts and only then would they comment. However, they added that some challans were being issued to some numbers that were jotted down.
This comes close on the heels of another group of bikers performing stunts and harassing people in the Connaught Place area just a few days back. Why the cops don't crack down on such brazen violation of traffic rules, which could save some lives, is a mystery. Giving lessons on how to drive safely at midnight to hordes of violators makes a mockery of the law.
On Tuesday night, the bikers had a free run of south, central and north Delhi, primarily putting their own lives at risk. Almost all the bikes had three to four riders who were not wearing helmets though no stunts or violence of any kind was reported.
The cops pleaded they were helpless. "What can you do when the main focus for us is tackling terror?" said a central district officer. Joint commissioner (New Delhi Range) Dharmendra Kumar said they had stopped a few riders and "given them lessons in safe driving. There was overloading and some noise as they moved together. However, we ensured that they did not indulge in stunts," he said.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Biker-killed-soon-after-being-given-lessons-by-cops/articleshow/6230816.cms
Cops at receiving end of Facebook traffic vigil
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Delhi Traffic Police debuted on Facebook in May promising to "respond urgently" to complaints posted on its fan page. Only three months later, eager Delhiites have uploaded close to 3,000 photographs of alleged traffic violations exhorting the police to take action. What's interesting and
ironical is the violators include occupants of 29 police vehicles and an additional 19 private vehicles driven by policemen.
Based on such "visual evidence", the department has launched disciplinary proceedings against two of its own — an assistant sub-inspector and a constable.
Out of the 29 police vehicles found guilty of 'violations', 24 were motorbikes with helmet-less riders, four were cars whose occupants had not put on the seat belt, while another bike had a defective registration plate.
And out of the 19 private vehicles driven by policemen, 17 were motorbikes with helmet-less riders.
"On June 25, a user uploaded a photograph of an assistant sub-inspector riding a bike and the pillion-rider, a constable, not wearing a helmet," Ajay Chadha, Special Commissioner of Traffic Police, told HT.
"The erring policemen were dispatched to traffic line — off active duty — and will be sent out of the department."
As many as 646 vehicle owners have been challaned based on Facebook photos, he said.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Cops-at-receiving-end-of-Facebook-traffic-vigil/Article1-579252.aspx
Delhi Traffic Police debuted on Facebook in May promising to "respond urgently" to complaints posted on its fan page. Only three months later, eager Delhiites have uploaded close to 3,000 photographs of alleged traffic violations exhorting the police to take action. What's interesting and
ironical is the violators include occupants of 29 police vehicles and an additional 19 private vehicles driven by policemen.
Based on such "visual evidence", the department has launched disciplinary proceedings against two of its own — an assistant sub-inspector and a constable.
Out of the 29 police vehicles found guilty of 'violations', 24 were motorbikes with helmet-less riders, four were cars whose occupants had not put on the seat belt, while another bike had a defective registration plate.
And out of the 19 private vehicles driven by policemen, 17 were motorbikes with helmet-less riders.
"On June 25, a user uploaded a photograph of an assistant sub-inspector riding a bike and the pillion-rider, a constable, not wearing a helmet," Ajay Chadha, Special Commissioner of Traffic Police, told HT.
"The erring policemen were dispatched to traffic line — off active duty — and will be sent out of the department."
As many as 646 vehicle owners have been challaned based on Facebook photos, he said.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Cops-at-receiving-end-of-Facebook-traffic-vigil/Article1-579252.aspx
Special traffic management plan for Delhi during C'Wealth Games
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
The Delhi Traffic Police has drawn up a detailed Traffic management Plan for managing traffic during Commonwealth Games-2010 to be held in the national capital, the Government informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The Traffic Management Plan has been formulated by Delhi Traffic Police to provide safe, rapid, orderly and efficient mobility to all categories of road users during the Commonwealth Games, 2010, particularly to vehicles carrying players, dignitaries attending the Games and spectators coming to witness the events.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Maken mentioned the salient features of the measures are as follows:
a) To ensure seamless movement for all Games related traffic, including VIP movements.
b) To identify routes for participants, VIPs etc from the International Airport to the Games Village/hotels and from the Games Village to the various venues.
c) To operate a dedicated lane for accredited CWG vehicles.
d) To provide for alternate/diversionary routes to allow the normal city traffic with minimum dislocation.
e) Parking and traffic circulation arrangements at all venues, including media centre, airport, railway stations, ISBTs, hotels and places of tourist interest etc.
f) To promote integration of public transport, including Metro Rail etc.
g) To discourage use of private modes of transport.
The minister informed that the trial of such measures to test their adequacy in coordination with the stakeholders is an ongoing process.
Delhi Police is in readiness to put to test the Traffic management Plan for the Commonwealth Games-2010, he added.
Original news source http://sify.com/sports/special-traffic-management-plan-for-delhi-during-c-wealth-games-news-news-kh1uaccejae.html
The Delhi Traffic Police has drawn up a detailed Traffic management Plan for managing traffic during Commonwealth Games-2010 to be held in the national capital, the Government informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
The Traffic Management Plan has been formulated by Delhi Traffic Police to provide safe, rapid, orderly and efficient mobility to all categories of road users during the Commonwealth Games, 2010, particularly to vehicles carrying players, dignitaries attending the Games and spectators coming to witness the events.
In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Maken mentioned the salient features of the measures are as follows:
a) To ensure seamless movement for all Games related traffic, including VIP movements.
b) To identify routes for participants, VIPs etc from the International Airport to the Games Village/hotels and from the Games Village to the various venues.
c) To operate a dedicated lane for accredited CWG vehicles.
d) To provide for alternate/diversionary routes to allow the normal city traffic with minimum dislocation.
e) Parking and traffic circulation arrangements at all venues, including media centre, airport, railway stations, ISBTs, hotels and places of tourist interest etc.
f) To promote integration of public transport, including Metro Rail etc.
g) To discourage use of private modes of transport.
The minister informed that the trial of such measures to test their adequacy in coordination with the stakeholders is an ongoing process.
Delhi Police is in readiness to put to test the Traffic management Plan for the Commonwealth Games-2010, he added.
Original news source http://sify.com/sports/special-traffic-management-plan-for-delhi-during-c-wealth-games-news-news-kh1uaccejae.html
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
This monsoon, traffic signals to keep Delhi on the go
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
The monsoons are here and there's reason to worry. As repair and carpeting work on the roads for the Commonwealth Games are being carried out, roads are blocked or narrowed for the time being. And with the rains here, many stretches will get water-logged and traffic lights will stop working, resulting in chaos.
Of the 730-odd traffic signals in the city, an average of 50 signals stop working due to water logging during monsoons.
While some of them are rectified within four hours, others take as long as four days. But it seems, the Delhi Traffic Police, has some plans for smoother signal maintenance.
"We are in the process of finalising the contract for signal repair and maintenance. The new contract would come with better terms and conditions, as well as infrastructure. In the next one month, every 50 traffic signals will have a team dedicated to repairing defective signals," Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg told Newsline.
Till the late 1980s, the Transport department used to maintain all city traffic lights before the police took over from the department and outsourced the job — first to Keltron, a PSU — before CMS entered the field. Sources said that the contract would go again to Keltron.
But defective signals are not the only problem in the monsoons.
"Trees fall and vehicles break down. Every time it rains, the roads get water logged, making movement of traffic extremely slow. For instance, a 15-minute traffic jam at Dhaula Kuan leads to traffic pile-up till Noida," said Garg.
With the ongoing construction work for the Commonwealth Games, which involves road repairs at all important junctions, the decreased road width makes traffic movement difficult.
"Whenever the road width is lesser, there is bound to be traffic congestion. The traffic police has then to keep in mind the interests of both — the public and the ongoing work on roads." And when a road becomes absolutely unsafe for vehicular traffic, it has to be closed. This undoubtedly aggravated the problem, he added.
"The effect of rain and slow traffic movement has its effect on Delhiites. If a carriageway is blocked, the first thing a commuter does is take the first U-turn and drive on the wrong side of the opposite carriageway. This blocks the traffic on the other side as well," said Garg.
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/this-monsoon-traffic-signals-to-keep-delhi-on-the-go/652158/0
The monsoons are here and there's reason to worry. As repair and carpeting work on the roads for the Commonwealth Games are being carried out, roads are blocked or narrowed for the time being. And with the rains here, many stretches will get water-logged and traffic lights will stop working, resulting in chaos.
Of the 730-odd traffic signals in the city, an average of 50 signals stop working due to water logging during monsoons.
While some of them are rectified within four hours, others take as long as four days. But it seems, the Delhi Traffic Police, has some plans for smoother signal maintenance.
"We are in the process of finalising the contract for signal repair and maintenance. The new contract would come with better terms and conditions, as well as infrastructure. In the next one month, every 50 traffic signals will have a team dedicated to repairing defective signals," Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg told Newsline.
Till the late 1980s, the Transport department used to maintain all city traffic lights before the police took over from the department and outsourced the job — first to Keltron, a PSU — before CMS entered the field. Sources said that the contract would go again to Keltron.
But defective signals are not the only problem in the monsoons.
"Trees fall and vehicles break down. Every time it rains, the roads get water logged, making movement of traffic extremely slow. For instance, a 15-minute traffic jam at Dhaula Kuan leads to traffic pile-up till Noida," said Garg.
With the ongoing construction work for the Commonwealth Games, which involves road repairs at all important junctions, the decreased road width makes traffic movement difficult.
"Whenever the road width is lesser, there is bound to be traffic congestion. The traffic police has then to keep in mind the interests of both — the public and the ongoing work on roads." And when a road becomes absolutely unsafe for vehicular traffic, it has to be closed. This undoubtedly aggravated the problem, he added.
"The effect of rain and slow traffic movement has its effect on Delhiites. If a carriageway is blocked, the first thing a commuter does is take the first U-turn and drive on the wrong side of the opposite carriageway. This blocks the traffic on the other side as well," said Garg.
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/this-monsoon-traffic-signals-to-keep-delhi-on-the-go/652158/0
Monday, July 19, 2010
Delhi traffic police's SMS alerts a huge hit
Monday, July 19, 2010
Its Twitter and Facebook accounts have thousands of followers. Now, the Delhi traffic police's SMS alert service on traffic jams and diversion updates, launched three days ago, has already logged 21,240 subscribers with a majority describing it as a "world class service".
The traffic police launched the free SMS service July 16 to help people plan their travel in the city.
"We have received requests for traffic alerts from about 21,240 people and the number is increasing," said a traffic police officer, who manages the traffic helpline.
For subscribing to the service, one has to SMS "Join DTP" to 09219592195.
The users can also unsubscribe to the facility, for which one has to send a text message "Leave DTP" to 09219592195.
Those who have subscribed to the traffic alert service are praising the initiative.
"I have subscribed to this facility and have got three alerts since Monday morning... this is world class. Well done," said Amit Agarwal, who has also registered on the traffic police's Facebook profile.
"It is a good move. Good use of technology for the community," said B.N. Nagpal, another subscriber.
The traffic police had joined Twitter and Facebook last month to network better with the public and seek help in improving traffic in the city in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games.
It has over 14,000 Facebook fans, who daily upload photographs of offenders with the date, time and place of offence.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-traffic-polices-SMS-alerts-a-huge-hit/articleshow/6187776.cms
Its Twitter and Facebook accounts have thousands of followers. Now, the Delhi traffic police's SMS alert service on traffic jams and diversion updates, launched three days ago, has already logged 21,240 subscribers with a majority describing it as a "world class service".
The traffic police launched the free SMS service July 16 to help people plan their travel in the city.
"We have received requests for traffic alerts from about 21,240 people and the number is increasing," said a traffic police officer, who manages the traffic helpline.
For subscribing to the service, one has to SMS "Join DTP" to 09219592195.
The users can also unsubscribe to the facility, for which one has to send a text message "Leave DTP" to 09219592195.
Those who have subscribed to the traffic alert service are praising the initiative.
"I have subscribed to this facility and have got three alerts since Monday morning... this is world class. Well done," said Amit Agarwal, who has also registered on the traffic police's Facebook profile.
"It is a good move. Good use of technology for the community," said B.N. Nagpal, another subscriber.
The traffic police had joined Twitter and Facebook last month to network better with the public and seek help in improving traffic in the city in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games.
It has over 14,000 Facebook fans, who daily upload photographs of offenders with the date, time and place of offence.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-traffic-polices-SMS-alerts-a-huge-hit/articleshow/6187776.cms
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Now, get traffic update SMS to beat jams
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Getting traffic updates through FM radio is now a thing of the past. Traffic updates are now just an SMS away. And it will be round-the-clock. After gaining success through Facebook and Twitter, Delhi Traffic Police have now started a unique service on traffic update through text messages. A dedicated team from the unit has been involved for this job, said Ajay Chadha, special CP (traffic). The method is simple. One has to just send an SMS 'join dtp' to 09219592195 from one's mobile to register with the mobile helpline service. After that, as and when there is any traffic jam due to any reason — road accident, rainfall or road construction — he will be intimated through SMS.
"This is a free service by Delhi Traffic Police. This will also alert commuters in general and motorists in particular about any traffic diversions or advisory in the city," said Chadha.
"The SMS service is more instant than updates on Facebook or Twitter. Motorists while driving generally cannot access Facebook or Twitter to get traffic update," said a senior officer.
He added that initially 40,000 people are expected to register themselves.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Now-get-traffic-update-SMS-to-beat-jams/H1-Article1-573471.aspx
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Cops’ spanner in BRT plans
Friday, July 16, 2010
The second phase of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) between Moolchand and Delhi Gate will not be operational any time soon as Delhi Traffic Police have raised certain objections. It has said the corridor will increase possibilities of road accidents. After receiving the objections, the transport ministry has decided not to open the corridor without addressing the concerns. "The government is not in a hurry to implement the proposed BRT corridor. We are aware of the issues on that stretch and are getting them examined. That is why the project is on hold," said Arvinder Singh Lovely, Delhi Transport minister.
Earlier, the ministry had planned to open the BRT corridor before the ensuing Commonwealth Games.
"The cycle lane at some locations does not have physical segregation and moves along the bus lane which will make cyclists vulnerable to road accidents," said S. Nithianandam, Joint CP (Traffic).
It is important to note that road accidents on the BRT corridor from Moolchand to Ambedkar Nagar have increased drastically this year as nine fatalities have been reported till June 2010, as compared to just one in 2009.
In a recent letter to the Delhi Transport Department, the police have expressed concerns over the BRT's faulty construction. They have said the corridor will create chaos at several points, affecting the traffic flow right up to ITO, which is already congested.
According to the police buses plying through the corridor will create bottleneck near Defence colony Flyover when moving from centre lane towards extreme left lane.
The corridor will also likely to give vehicles a tough time while taking U-turn under Moolchand Flyover as buses will occupy the space.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Cops-spanner-in-BRT-plans/Article1-573039.aspx
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Delhi CM pulls up civic agencies over rain-related traffic chaos
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Delhi Chief MiInister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday is reported to have pulled up the city"s civic agencies over the rain-related traffic chaos and water-logging.
The city has found itself marooned in endless traffic jams and knee-deep water, and Dikshit has demanded that the roads be repaired immediately.
"It is true there is a lot of rubble (malba) lying around…We had announced August 10 as the deadline for clearing the rubble, let that date come," Dikshit said of the rubble that has collected from works related to the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.
Dikshit met with civic authorities and reprimanded them for the chaos on the capital"s roads.
She is spending Tuesday surveying Delhi"s roads with a team of officials to identify problem areas.
One of the main causes of the water-logging is that year after year, drains are not cleaned in time, despite crores allegedly being spent on the exercise. The chief minster asked for the drainage system to be cleared and damaged roads to be repaired.
In addition to Delhi"s discomfort, what"s worrying the government is that the Commonwealth Games are just two months away.
Original news source http://nvonews.com/2010/07/13/delhi-cm-pulls-up-civic-agencies-over-rain-related-traffic-chaos/
Delhi Chief MiInister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday is reported to have pulled up the city"s civic agencies over the rain-related traffic chaos and water-logging.
The city has found itself marooned in endless traffic jams and knee-deep water, and Dikshit has demanded that the roads be repaired immediately.
"It is true there is a lot of rubble (malba) lying around…We had announced August 10 as the deadline for clearing the rubble, let that date come," Dikshit said of the rubble that has collected from works related to the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.
Dikshit met with civic authorities and reprimanded them for the chaos on the capital"s roads.
She is spending Tuesday surveying Delhi"s roads with a team of officials to identify problem areas.
One of the main causes of the water-logging is that year after year, drains are not cleaned in time, despite crores allegedly being spent on the exercise. The chief minster asked for the drainage system to be cleared and damaged roads to be repaired.
In addition to Delhi"s discomfort, what"s worrying the government is that the Commonwealth Games are just two months away.
Original news source http://nvonews.com/2010/07/13/delhi-cm-pulls-up-civic-agencies-over-rain-related-traffic-chaos/
Cops slam flawed BRT-II corridor
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Even before it is operationalised, the second phase of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) — from Moolchand to Delhi Gate — has drawn criticism from Delhi Traffic Police, which has raised some serious objections about its flawed construction.
In a letter to the Delhi Transport department last month, the traffic police have expressed apprehensions that the corridor, once it is opened, will create bottlenecks at several points affecting the traffic flow right up to ITO, which is already clogged due to heavy volume of traffic. Also, the cyclelane at a few locations does not have physical segregation and moves along the bus lane that would make cyclist vulnerable to fatal accidents.
According to traffic police, the very purpose of facilitating rapid transit of buses and safe movement of cyclists on the corridor will be defeated if the stretch becomes operational without addressing the anticipated problems. "The segregation of the cycle track has not been given proper attention at some locations. This has enhanced the possibility of fatalities on BRT-II," said Ajay Chadha, Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic). Notably, road accidents on the BRT corridor from Moolchand to Ambedkar Nagar have increased significantly this year as nine fatalities have been reported till June 2010, as compared to just one in the year 2009.
Chadha said the buses moving from centre lane to the extreme left lane near Defence Colony Flyover will lead to massive traffic snarls due to the existing design of the corridor. Also, the vehicles taking a U-turn under Moolchand flyover will face tough time since the area is likely to be occupied by buses. He expressed his fears that the timings of the signal cycle at each intersection separately for cyclists and pedestrian will also increase.
"As there are separate signal timings for pedestrians and cyclists, it is bound to increase the overall signal cycle length. This will further lead to pile-up of vehicles," Chadha said.
Moreover, the central verge on the corridor has been shifted towards Oberoi Hotel near DPS, Mathura Road. As a result, a bottleneck has been created at the Mazar and the entry lane of the hotel, which is frequented by vehicles.
Traffic cops are also apprehensive that the inflow of vehicles on the BRT corridor from other roads will affect the traffic movement. "The traffic discharge from the proposed elevated Barapullah Nallah corridor on to Lala Lajpat Rai Marg will also adversely impact the smooth flow of traffic," the Special Commissioner maintained.
The elevated corridor connecting Ring Road to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is likely to be used by a heavy volume of traffic that could disrupt the traffic flow on BRT corridor when it comes to it from the Barapullah Nallah elevated road.
According to traffic police, the Transport department has also failed to take into account the impact of the proposed East-West Corridor, as the same does not appear to have been factored in during the construction of the corridor up to Delhi Gate. Chadha said the proposed East-West Corridor would cross over the ITO intersection as is expected to further aggravate the traffic snarls there, which is one of the busiest intersections in the Capital with over four lakh vehicles crossing it during peak hours.
The traffic police have emphasised the urgent need for decongesting the ITO crossing -- Ramcharan Aggrawal Chowk (W-Point) near Pragati Maidan Metro Station -- through long-term traffic engineering improvement measures. In the communication with Delhi Transport Commissioner, the traffic police have also urged to address the problems in consultation with the DIMTS and RITES.
Road construction shoddy: HC
New Delhi: Slamming the civic agencies for the dismal state of roads in the city, the Delhi High Court on Monday said if such a situation continued, then taking the road during the upcoming Commonwealth Games is likely to be troublesome. The court said: "The PWD and the MCD are totally insensitive to the plight of citizens." Justice Kailash Gambhir said: "Roads have caved in due to waterlogging. Most main roads witness traffic jams… It seems the job of the construction of the road is shoddily executed."
Original news source http://www.dailypioneer.com/268872/Cops-slam-flawed-BRT-II-corridor.html
Even before it is operationalised, the second phase of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) — from Moolchand to Delhi Gate — has drawn criticism from Delhi Traffic Police, which has raised some serious objections about its flawed construction.
In a letter to the Delhi Transport department last month, the traffic police have expressed apprehensions that the corridor, once it is opened, will create bottlenecks at several points affecting the traffic flow right up to ITO, which is already clogged due to heavy volume of traffic. Also, the cyclelane at a few locations does not have physical segregation and moves along the bus lane that would make cyclist vulnerable to fatal accidents.
According to traffic police, the very purpose of facilitating rapid transit of buses and safe movement of cyclists on the corridor will be defeated if the stretch becomes operational without addressing the anticipated problems. "The segregation of the cycle track has not been given proper attention at some locations. This has enhanced the possibility of fatalities on BRT-II," said Ajay Chadha, Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic). Notably, road accidents on the BRT corridor from Moolchand to Ambedkar Nagar have increased significantly this year as nine fatalities have been reported till June 2010, as compared to just one in the year 2009.
Chadha said the buses moving from centre lane to the extreme left lane near Defence Colony Flyover will lead to massive traffic snarls due to the existing design of the corridor. Also, the vehicles taking a U-turn under Moolchand flyover will face tough time since the area is likely to be occupied by buses. He expressed his fears that the timings of the signal cycle at each intersection separately for cyclists and pedestrian will also increase.
"As there are separate signal timings for pedestrians and cyclists, it is bound to increase the overall signal cycle length. This will further lead to pile-up of vehicles," Chadha said.
Moreover, the central verge on the corridor has been shifted towards Oberoi Hotel near DPS, Mathura Road. As a result, a bottleneck has been created at the Mazar and the entry lane of the hotel, which is frequented by vehicles.
Traffic cops are also apprehensive that the inflow of vehicles on the BRT corridor from other roads will affect the traffic movement. "The traffic discharge from the proposed elevated Barapullah Nallah corridor on to Lala Lajpat Rai Marg will also adversely impact the smooth flow of traffic," the Special Commissioner maintained.
The elevated corridor connecting Ring Road to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is likely to be used by a heavy volume of traffic that could disrupt the traffic flow on BRT corridor when it comes to it from the Barapullah Nallah elevated road.
According to traffic police, the Transport department has also failed to take into account the impact of the proposed East-West Corridor, as the same does not appear to have been factored in during the construction of the corridor up to Delhi Gate. Chadha said the proposed East-West Corridor would cross over the ITO intersection as is expected to further aggravate the traffic snarls there, which is one of the busiest intersections in the Capital with over four lakh vehicles crossing it during peak hours.
The traffic police have emphasised the urgent need for decongesting the ITO crossing -- Ramcharan Aggrawal Chowk (W-Point) near Pragati Maidan Metro Station -- through long-term traffic engineering improvement measures. In the communication with Delhi Transport Commissioner, the traffic police have also urged to address the problems in consultation with the DIMTS and RITES.
Road construction shoddy: HC
New Delhi: Slamming the civic agencies for the dismal state of roads in the city, the Delhi High Court on Monday said if such a situation continued, then taking the road during the upcoming Commonwealth Games is likely to be troublesome. The court said: "The PWD and the MCD are totally insensitive to the plight of citizens." Justice Kailash Gambhir said: "Roads have caved in due to waterlogging. Most main roads witness traffic jams… It seems the job of the construction of the road is shoddily executed."
Original news source http://www.dailypioneer.com/268872/Cops-slam-flawed-BRT-II-corridor.html
Monday, July 12, 2010
Road to Qutub a bumpy ride
Monday, 12 July, 2010
The city government is busy making claims that Delhi will be ready to host the Commonwealth Games in October but access to the city's world heritage sites might be a challenge for the millions of visitors expected to arrive in Delhi for the sporting extravaganza. While the 17th century Red Fort still does not have a designated parking lot for visitors, the approach road to the Qutub Minar complex is in poor condition.
While the Qutub Minar is Delhi's most visited monument with footfalls of up to 10,000 visitors a day, the access road to the monument is not just broken in several places but also suffers from frequent spillage of water due to the presence of a water-filling facility in the vicinity. Traffic here is another problem and is especially dangerous for pedestrians who have to run across the road, after parking their cars, to the Qutub Minar entrance.
To ease traffic, a traffic circulation plan was prepared by INTACH which proposed that Gurgaon and Mehrauli-bound traffic be diverted away from the Qutub Minar, but the plan has not yet been implemented.
"We have written to several agencies about the problem since traffic is especially heavy around the Qutub. We proposed that only vehicles coming to the Qutub and Mehrauli areas use the main road while other traffic be diverted from Lado Sarai, bypassing the Qutub Minar. But since, at the moment, even Gurgaon-bound traffic passes by the Qutub, vehicular movement here is bad," said officials of the Archaeological Survey of India.
The other problem with the access road to the Qutub Minar is the poor condition of the road. "The stretch is in bad shape partly because of heavy vehicular movement, but mostly because of a water-filling centre by the side of the Qutub Minar. Water tanks park here for long hours to fill up their tanks which also leads to the frequent spillage of water on the road," said ASI officials.
The road-owning agency PWD also blamed the water-filling centre for the poor condition of the road."The only problem area on the stretch is where the DJB tanker office is located. A lot of water is spilled onto the road here. Otherwise, the road is in good condition. We just got micro-surfacing of the road, from Aurobindo Marg to Lado Sarai, done at a cost of Rs 50-60 lakh," said a senior PWD official.
Another world heritage site with problems is Red Fort where the parking lot for visitors — which will accommodate up to 300 vehicles and has been under construction for the last two years — is yet to be opened to the public. The delay with the parking lot means visitors to the Mughal citadel find access to the monument difficult due to Red Fort's location in Shahjahanabad.
Said ASI officials, "We will be calling for an expression of interest and then invite tenders from contractors to run the parking lot, which we will open before the Games at any cost. The parking lot has already been hit by several delays and we want to make it operational at the earliest."
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Road-to-Qutub-a-bumpy-ride/articleshow/6157110.cms
The city government is busy making claims that Delhi will be ready to host the Commonwealth Games in October but access to the city's world heritage sites might be a challenge for the millions of visitors expected to arrive in Delhi for the sporting extravaganza. While the 17th century Red Fort still does not have a designated parking lot for visitors, the approach road to the Qutub Minar complex is in poor condition.
While the Qutub Minar is Delhi's most visited monument with footfalls of up to 10,000 visitors a day, the access road to the monument is not just broken in several places but also suffers from frequent spillage of water due to the presence of a water-filling facility in the vicinity. Traffic here is another problem and is especially dangerous for pedestrians who have to run across the road, after parking their cars, to the Qutub Minar entrance.
To ease traffic, a traffic circulation plan was prepared by INTACH which proposed that Gurgaon and Mehrauli-bound traffic be diverted away from the Qutub Minar, but the plan has not yet been implemented.
"We have written to several agencies about the problem since traffic is especially heavy around the Qutub. We proposed that only vehicles coming to the Qutub and Mehrauli areas use the main road while other traffic be diverted from Lado Sarai, bypassing the Qutub Minar. But since, at the moment, even Gurgaon-bound traffic passes by the Qutub, vehicular movement here is bad," said officials of the Archaeological Survey of India.
The other problem with the access road to the Qutub Minar is the poor condition of the road. "The stretch is in bad shape partly because of heavy vehicular movement, but mostly because of a water-filling centre by the side of the Qutub Minar. Water tanks park here for long hours to fill up their tanks which also leads to the frequent spillage of water on the road," said ASI officials.
The road-owning agency PWD also blamed the water-filling centre for the poor condition of the road."The only problem area on the stretch is where the DJB tanker office is located. A lot of water is spilled onto the road here. Otherwise, the road is in good condition. We just got micro-surfacing of the road, from Aurobindo Marg to Lado Sarai, done at a cost of Rs 50-60 lakh," said a senior PWD official.
Another world heritage site with problems is Red Fort where the parking lot for visitors — which will accommodate up to 300 vehicles and has been under construction for the last two years — is yet to be opened to the public. The delay with the parking lot means visitors to the Mughal citadel find access to the monument difficult due to Red Fort's location in Shahjahanabad.
Said ASI officials, "We will be calling for an expression of interest and then invite tenders from contractors to run the parking lot, which we will open before the Games at any cost. The parking lot has already been hit by several delays and we want to make it operational at the earliest."
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Road-to-Qutub-a-bumpy-ride/articleshow/6157110.cms
Signals to be tested in BRT, brace for jams
Monday, 12 July, 2010
After braving jams at the Siri Fort crossing on the pilot BRT corridor, brace for similar trouble at the main Chirag Dilli intersection this week. The process of installation of intelligent signals at the crossing is nearing completion and after that it will be tested. During this time, motorists may get caught in long snarls, especially during peak hours.
According to sources, the dates for testing the signals at the intersection have been fixed for July 16 and 17. This crossing is one of the most problematic crossings on BRT corridor. During the testing, all data on traffic volumes for each arm of the busy intersection will be accessed by a computer attached to the signal poles.
"The idea is to arrive at a optimum signal cycle where stoppage time is minimum and traffic clears out at the fastest possible pace from all sides. The Intelligent Traffic Signals (ITS) software has been designed to give priority to BRT buses," said an official. The testing of signals needs to be done during peak hours so that all the new installations can be checked properly.
Chirag Dilli is the last of the seven crossings on BRT corridor to be fitted with ITS. This is done to test the system at the smaller intersections before the major ones are taken up. Ever since the trial runs began on the corridor two years ago, the crossing has been plagued with massive traffic snarls and stoppages lasting up to 30 minutes during peak hours. At present, the traffic police are handling the signals manually. They were unable to set a signal cycle for the crossing.
After the testing is complete on July 18, all the traffic signals on the operational part of the pilot BRT corridor would be fitted with ITS. "The signals will be linked to a centralized control room and we are expecting the system to be fully functional by August end. Trials for ITS are being carried out on a 5.8-km stretch on BRT corridor from Ambedkar Nagar to Moolchand. Later, we are planning to extend it to the rest of the corridor, up to Delhi Gate," said RK Verma, secretary cum commissioner, Transport department.
The extension of the scheme will be done in consultation with the traffic police as the rest of the intersections are being handled by the department. Officials are apprehensive about bringing in crossings, like ITO, under the system due to the sheer number of vehicles passing through these intersection.
ITS was proposed as a one-point solution to long queues of vehicles at intersections on the BRT corridor. The project has come after a delay of about two years. This is city's first tryst with intelligent signals, but commuters using the stretch still get caught in endless jams. The traffic police feel that by just treating the brief stretch is not going to help contain the congestion.
All the signals connected to the ITS program work in synchronization with each other and the signal cycle (green time given to each arm of the intersection) will be computed automatically by a computerized system.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Delhi/Signals-to-be-tested-in-BRT-brace-for-jams/articleshow/6157125.cms
After braving jams at the Siri Fort crossing on the pilot BRT corridor, brace for similar trouble at the main Chirag Dilli intersection this week. The process of installation of intelligent signals at the crossing is nearing completion and after that it will be tested. During this time, motorists may get caught in long snarls, especially during peak hours.
According to sources, the dates for testing the signals at the intersection have been fixed for July 16 and 17. This crossing is one of the most problematic crossings on BRT corridor. During the testing, all data on traffic volumes for each arm of the busy intersection will be accessed by a computer attached to the signal poles.
"The idea is to arrive at a optimum signal cycle where stoppage time is minimum and traffic clears out at the fastest possible pace from all sides. The Intelligent Traffic Signals (ITS) software has been designed to give priority to BRT buses," said an official. The testing of signals needs to be done during peak hours so that all the new installations can be checked properly.
Chirag Dilli is the last of the seven crossings on BRT corridor to be fitted with ITS. This is done to test the system at the smaller intersections before the major ones are taken up. Ever since the trial runs began on the corridor two years ago, the crossing has been plagued with massive traffic snarls and stoppages lasting up to 30 minutes during peak hours. At present, the traffic police are handling the signals manually. They were unable to set a signal cycle for the crossing.
After the testing is complete on July 18, all the traffic signals on the operational part of the pilot BRT corridor would be fitted with ITS. "The signals will be linked to a centralized control room and we are expecting the system to be fully functional by August end. Trials for ITS are being carried out on a 5.8-km stretch on BRT corridor from Ambedkar Nagar to Moolchand. Later, we are planning to extend it to the rest of the corridor, up to Delhi Gate," said RK Verma, secretary cum commissioner, Transport department.
The extension of the scheme will be done in consultation with the traffic police as the rest of the intersections are being handled by the department. Officials are apprehensive about bringing in crossings, like ITO, under the system due to the sheer number of vehicles passing through these intersection.
ITS was proposed as a one-point solution to long queues of vehicles at intersections on the BRT corridor. The project has come after a delay of about two years. This is city's first tryst with intelligent signals, but commuters using the stretch still get caught in endless jams. The traffic police feel that by just treating the brief stretch is not going to help contain the congestion.
All the signals connected to the ITS program work in synchronization with each other and the signal cycle (green time given to each arm of the intersection) will be computed automatically by a computerized system.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Delhi/Signals-to-be-tested-in-BRT-brace-for-jams/articleshow/6157125.cms
New road to make Gurgaon-IGIA ride faster
Monday, 12 July, 2010
From August, reaching the Indira Gandhi International Airport from Gurgaon will be a breeze — and it'll be free. Cars from Gurgaon coming to IGI and its brand new Terminal 3 building will have a dedicated three-lane road. The road, which is in the final stages of construction, will take motorists directly from the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway on NH-8 to the Airport road, which leads to the IGI Airport.
What is even better, motorists will not have to pay any toll to use the new road, which is being constructed by the National Highways Authority of India.
The new road will begin on the expressway just before Radisson hotel and end near the expressway's IGI Airport toll plaza.
At present, the traffic coming from Gurgaon and bound towards the airport have to take the road on the left side of the Mahipalpur crossing under the elevated expressway.
This then hits a roundabout, which is already a jostle of cars coming from Gurgaon, from the Ring Road and Mahipalpur. Once the slip road is ready, they will have a dedicated three lane corridor that will lead them to the Airport road without clashing with the south Delhi traffic. The slip road will segregate the traffic flow bound to the airport.
"The three lane slip road will be a great help to Gurgaon residents and ease traffic congestion," said NHAI spokesman D.P. Majhi.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/New-road-to-make-Gurgaon-IGIA-ride-faster/Article1-570923.aspx
From August, reaching the Indira Gandhi International Airport from Gurgaon will be a breeze — and it'll be free. Cars from Gurgaon coming to IGI and its brand new Terminal 3 building will have a dedicated three-lane road. The road, which is in the final stages of construction, will take motorists directly from the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway on NH-8 to the Airport road, which leads to the IGI Airport.
What is even better, motorists will not have to pay any toll to use the new road, which is being constructed by the National Highways Authority of India.
The new road will begin on the expressway just before Radisson hotel and end near the expressway's IGI Airport toll plaza.
At present, the traffic coming from Gurgaon and bound towards the airport have to take the road on the left side of the Mahipalpur crossing under the elevated expressway.
This then hits a roundabout, which is already a jostle of cars coming from Gurgaon, from the Ring Road and Mahipalpur. Once the slip road is ready, they will have a dedicated three lane corridor that will lead them to the Airport road without clashing with the south Delhi traffic. The slip road will segregate the traffic flow bound to the airport.
"The three lane slip road will be a great help to Gurgaon residents and ease traffic congestion," said NHAI spokesman D.P. Majhi.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/New-road-to-make-Gurgaon-IGIA-ride-faster/Article1-570923.aspx
Govt mulls new traffic law for cycle rickshaws
Sunday, 11 July, 2010
You may soon find cycle rickshaws being challaned for violating traffic rules and rickshaw pullers applying for special drivers' license to ply a cycle rickshaw on Delhi roads. The Delhi government may soon introduce a new law that will legalise the existence of thousands of cycle rickshaws, enforce traffic rules and help discipline them.
According to senior Delhi government officials, a special committee comprising members from a Delhi High Court-appointed task force on traffic has been formed to prepare the draft of a new legislation on cycle rickshaws.
The new act, said officials, would make registration and training of rickshaw pullers mandatory and would also enforce traffic rules on cycle rickshaws.
Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner KS Mehra and Madhu Kishwar, who runs a non-government organisation (NGO) are the committee members working on the legislation.
Officials said the government might nominate more experts in the committee to help them out.
Being non-motorised vehicles, cycle rickshaws are not covered under the Motor Vehicles Act.
No traffic rules that bind scooters, cars, buses and other such vehicles are applicable on cycle rickshaws, thus giving them a free run on Delhi's congested roads.
"With a growing number of cycle rickshaws in the Capital, we feel there is an urgent need to have a law that regulates these vehicles," a senior Delhi government official said.
According to estimates, more than 10 lakh cycle rickshaws ply across the Capital.
"The new law will make it mandatory to have dedicated lanes for non-motorised vehicles on as many roads as possible. Our existing approach is heavily biased towards car owners," the official said.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Govt-mulls-new-traffic-law-for-cycle-rickshaws/Article1-570884.aspx
You may soon find cycle rickshaws being challaned for violating traffic rules and rickshaw pullers applying for special drivers' license to ply a cycle rickshaw on Delhi roads. The Delhi government may soon introduce a new law that will legalise the existence of thousands of cycle rickshaws, enforce traffic rules and help discipline them.
According to senior Delhi government officials, a special committee comprising members from a Delhi High Court-appointed task force on traffic has been formed to prepare the draft of a new legislation on cycle rickshaws.
The new act, said officials, would make registration and training of rickshaw pullers mandatory and would also enforce traffic rules on cycle rickshaws.
Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner KS Mehra and Madhu Kishwar, who runs a non-government organisation (NGO) are the committee members working on the legislation.
Officials said the government might nominate more experts in the committee to help them out.
Being non-motorised vehicles, cycle rickshaws are not covered under the Motor Vehicles Act.
No traffic rules that bind scooters, cars, buses and other such vehicles are applicable on cycle rickshaws, thus giving them a free run on Delhi's congested roads.
"With a growing number of cycle rickshaws in the Capital, we feel there is an urgent need to have a law that regulates these vehicles," a senior Delhi government official said.
According to estimates, more than 10 lakh cycle rickshaws ply across the Capital.
"The new law will make it mandatory to have dedicated lanes for non-motorised vehicles on as many roads as possible. Our existing approach is heavily biased towards car owners," the official said.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Govt-mulls-new-traffic-law-for-cycle-rickshaws/Article1-570884.aspx
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Fall in fatal accidents on Delhi roads
Friday, 09 July, 2010
Traffic officials attribute the sharp decrease in fatalities to an increased presence of officials manning traffic and the changing emphasis from prosecution to regulation. "The number of fatal accidents on Delhi roads, which was seeing an alarming upward trend in the last eight years, has been contained this year with a sharp shift in emphasis from prosecution to regulation. The presence of traffic personnel on roads has been increased," Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg told Newsline.
While the number of fatal accidents till June 30 last year was 1,106, this number has come down by 13.48 per cent to 957 fatal accidents. The number of casualties has also come down by 12.67 per cent, from 1,137 last year to 993 this year. Of the total number of accidents, there were 471 cases of hit-and-run in 2009, a number which came down to 345 this year.
The number of pedestrian casualties in 2009 was 538, which has come down to 435 this year. There were 342 casualties involving scooter or motorcycle-borne victims in 2009; the number decreased to 325 this year. While boarding and deboarding buses, 20 people were killed last year; the number has come down to 12 this year.
The total number of fatal accidents caused by commercial vehicles in 2009 was 408; the number came down to 389 this year. The figures with the traffic police indicate that Blueline buses caused 54 fatal accidents in 2009; the number has come down to 43 this year. DTC buses were responsible for 29 fatal accidents in 2009; and the number has come down to 18 this year. There is, however, an increase in fatal accidents caused by Heavy Transport Vehicles, with the number increasing from 117 last year to 126 this year.
There has been a general fall in the number of fatal accidents between 4 am and 9 pm. "The peak hour accidents have been prevented due to an increased presence of traffic officials manning traffic on all the intersections, leading to better regulation," Garg said.
However, in the time period between 9 pm and midnight the number of fatal accidents rose from 220 last year to 224 this year. Similarly, from midnight till 4 am there were 156 accidents this year, while there were just 149 accidents last year. Traffic officials attribute this increase in accidents during night time to a reduced availability of manpower during these hours.
While the number of accidents on Ring Road fell to 93 from 114 last year, Outer Ring Road saw 54 this year compared to five more last year.
Of the five traffic ranges in Delhi, all except the Southern Range — where there was no change in figures — saw a fall in the number of accidents. "South is the range which is seeing a lot of construction activity in preparation for the Games. We are trying to contain this too. Mehrauli has been a problem stretch, and we are trying to reduce fatalities there," a senior traffic official said.
The traffic police issued 17.22 lakh challans last year, amounting to Rs 25.78 crore. The number of challans issued this year fell to 13.77 lakh, amounting to Rs 24.83 crore.
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/fall-in-fatal-accidents-on-delhi-roads/644116/0
Traffic officials attribute the sharp decrease in fatalities to an increased presence of officials manning traffic and the changing emphasis from prosecution to regulation. "The number of fatal accidents on Delhi roads, which was seeing an alarming upward trend in the last eight years, has been contained this year with a sharp shift in emphasis from prosecution to regulation. The presence of traffic personnel on roads has been increased," Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg told Newsline.
While the number of fatal accidents till June 30 last year was 1,106, this number has come down by 13.48 per cent to 957 fatal accidents. The number of casualties has also come down by 12.67 per cent, from 1,137 last year to 993 this year. Of the total number of accidents, there were 471 cases of hit-and-run in 2009, a number which came down to 345 this year.
The number of pedestrian casualties in 2009 was 538, which has come down to 435 this year. There were 342 casualties involving scooter or motorcycle-borne victims in 2009; the number decreased to 325 this year. While boarding and deboarding buses, 20 people were killed last year; the number has come down to 12 this year.
The total number of fatal accidents caused by commercial vehicles in 2009 was 408; the number came down to 389 this year. The figures with the traffic police indicate that Blueline buses caused 54 fatal accidents in 2009; the number has come down to 43 this year. DTC buses were responsible for 29 fatal accidents in 2009; and the number has come down to 18 this year. There is, however, an increase in fatal accidents caused by Heavy Transport Vehicles, with the number increasing from 117 last year to 126 this year.
There has been a general fall in the number of fatal accidents between 4 am and 9 pm. "The peak hour accidents have been prevented due to an increased presence of traffic officials manning traffic on all the intersections, leading to better regulation," Garg said.
However, in the time period between 9 pm and midnight the number of fatal accidents rose from 220 last year to 224 this year. Similarly, from midnight till 4 am there were 156 accidents this year, while there were just 149 accidents last year. Traffic officials attribute this increase in accidents during night time to a reduced availability of manpower during these hours.
While the number of accidents on Ring Road fell to 93 from 114 last year, Outer Ring Road saw 54 this year compared to five more last year.
Of the five traffic ranges in Delhi, all except the Southern Range — where there was no change in figures — saw a fall in the number of accidents. "South is the range which is seeing a lot of construction activity in preparation for the Games. We are trying to contain this too. Mehrauli has been a problem stretch, and we are trying to reduce fatalities there," a senior traffic official said.
The traffic police issued 17.22 lakh challans last year, amounting to Rs 25.78 crore. The number of challans issued this year fell to 13.77 lakh, amounting to Rs 24.83 crore.
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/fall-in-fatal-accidents-on-delhi-roads/644116/0
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Arterial roads sink in, civic bodies pass buck
Wednesday, 07 July, 2010
It is one of the busiest arterial roads in the city, where approximately 65,789 vehicles ply everyday. But on a day when South Delhi's Aurobindo Marg road caved in, throwing traffic out of gear, none of the civic agencies came forward to own responsibility. While commuters had a harrowing time finding
their way on this stretch, civic agencies responsible for carrying out the repair work were busy passing the buck. "We had handed over the road to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for carrying out construction activity. It is their responsibility to repair it now," said Prithvi Raj Sawhney, Delhi mayor.
While on Aurobindo Marg, the road caved in at various spots, another road in North Delhi's Shakti Nagar area caved in. However, MCD officials claimed that the road belongs to the Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi government.
"After the road caved in, both the carriageways were closed for vehicles as it would have affected repair work," said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of Police, (traffic).
To repair Aurobindo Marg, the Delhi traffic police had barricaded the entire area and the both the carriageways from AIIMS to IIT were closed for vehicular movement. Out of the 2.5-km-long stretch, more than 300 meters on both sides of the carriageway was damaged due to showers.
"A four-feet-deep crater had developed on the road. The road has been constructed over a sewerage line and due to constant leakages, it road became soft and gave way," said a senior official. DMRC engineers who were present on the site were carrying out repair work.
"We have completed the construction work but as the road caved in, we were trying to help civic agencies in carrying out repair work," said a Delhi Metro Rail C spokesperson.
Waterlogging
Complaints of waterlogging were received from across the city, with the MCD receiving 102 complaints. Areas such as Dhaula Kuan, Naraina, ITO, IIT, Chirga Delhi flyover, Kalkaji Extension, Loni Road, Dwarka underpass, Bhogal, Ashram, Munirka, Ber Sarai, Mehrauli Gurgaon road, among others, were affected badly.
Traffic movement on all major roads connecting Gurgaon and Delhi, including the Gurgaon Expressway and M.G. Road came to a standstill and Gurgaon-bound commuters from Delhi and Faridabad took about four-five hours to reach the border. There was a five-km-long jam on the Expressway between the Toll Plaza and IFFCO Chowk and the same was the case on M.G. Road.
Flight delays
Heavy rains and stormy weather on Wednesday led to flight delays and diversions at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). Two flights had to be diverted to nearby airports due to strong tailwinds at the airport. Many evening flights also got delayed by one to three hours due to severe traffic congestion. The heavy rains and strong winds at 4.30 pm coincided with the peak hour traffic for domestic flights at the airport, leading to delays.
The IGI airport witnessed a dense cloud over the runways in the evening and IGI Met Department issued warnings about heavy rains.
Torrential rains reduced the visibility to around 1,500 metres at the airport, an airport weather official said.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Arterial-roads-sink-in-civic-bodies-pass-buck/Article1-568942.aspx
It is one of the busiest arterial roads in the city, where approximately 65,789 vehicles ply everyday. But on a day when South Delhi's Aurobindo Marg road caved in, throwing traffic out of gear, none of the civic agencies came forward to own responsibility. While commuters had a harrowing time finding
their way on this stretch, civic agencies responsible for carrying out the repair work were busy passing the buck. "We had handed over the road to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for carrying out construction activity. It is their responsibility to repair it now," said Prithvi Raj Sawhney, Delhi mayor.
While on Aurobindo Marg, the road caved in at various spots, another road in North Delhi's Shakti Nagar area caved in. However, MCD officials claimed that the road belongs to the Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi government.
"After the road caved in, both the carriageways were closed for vehicles as it would have affected repair work," said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of Police, (traffic).
To repair Aurobindo Marg, the Delhi traffic police had barricaded the entire area and the both the carriageways from AIIMS to IIT were closed for vehicular movement. Out of the 2.5-km-long stretch, more than 300 meters on both sides of the carriageway was damaged due to showers.
"A four-feet-deep crater had developed on the road. The road has been constructed over a sewerage line and due to constant leakages, it road became soft and gave way," said a senior official. DMRC engineers who were present on the site were carrying out repair work.
"We have completed the construction work but as the road caved in, we were trying to help civic agencies in carrying out repair work," said a Delhi Metro Rail C spokesperson.
Waterlogging
Complaints of waterlogging were received from across the city, with the MCD receiving 102 complaints. Areas such as Dhaula Kuan, Naraina, ITO, IIT, Chirga Delhi flyover, Kalkaji Extension, Loni Road, Dwarka underpass, Bhogal, Ashram, Munirka, Ber Sarai, Mehrauli Gurgaon road, among others, were affected badly.
Traffic movement on all major roads connecting Gurgaon and Delhi, including the Gurgaon Expressway and M.G. Road came to a standstill and Gurgaon-bound commuters from Delhi and Faridabad took about four-five hours to reach the border. There was a five-km-long jam on the Expressway between the Toll Plaza and IFFCO Chowk and the same was the case on M.G. Road.
Flight delays
Heavy rains and stormy weather on Wednesday led to flight delays and diversions at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). Two flights had to be diverted to nearby airports due to strong tailwinds at the airport. Many evening flights also got delayed by one to three hours due to severe traffic congestion. The heavy rains and strong winds at 4.30 pm coincided with the peak hour traffic for domestic flights at the airport, leading to delays.
The IGI airport witnessed a dense cloud over the runways in the evening and IGI Met Department issued warnings about heavy rains.
Torrential rains reduced the visibility to around 1,500 metres at the airport, an airport weather official said.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Arterial-roads-sink-in-civic-bodies-pass-buck/Article1-568942.aspx
Sunday, July 4, 2010
After new terminal, Delhi airport to have multi-level parking
Sunday, 04 July, 2010
Driving to the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi and worried about finding parking space? Not any more. Come July 16 and the new Terminal-3 (T3) will boast of the largest multi-level car parking (MLCP) facility in the country, with a capacity of 4,300 cars.
"For an infrastructure facility like an airport, a good parking facility becomes imperative for smooth traffic flow and a significant criterion for determining passenger comfort," an official of Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said on the condition of anonymity.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday inaugurated the glitzy new T3 terminal at the IGI Airport, stated to be the sixth largest and among the most modern in the world, built in record 37 months at a cost of nearly $3 billion.
The actual operations will however start only on July 16, well in time for the Commonwealth Games to be held in the capital in October.
"The combined parking facility at both the domestic and international terminal is around 2,000. MLCP is important because T3 will handle both international and domestic operations," the DIAL official said.
MLCP has been described as an effective space management system for solving parking woes all over the world. It can be described as a parking building, with multiple floors to park on, thus saving space and time for parking.
"At T3, the multi-level car parking will be ground plus a five-floor structure. With seven levels, the terrace will also be used for parking," the official added.
The ground floor of MLCP will be 19,263 sq metres and the other floors above will be 19,155 sq metres each.
"The parking structure will be well connected to the T3 building through a corridor at ground level and through an air-conditioned elevated sky walk with travelators," the official added.
MLCP will have four entry and exit gates at the ground floor, while the upper floors of the parking facility will have two entry and exit lanes.
For faster traffic movement, MLCP will employ both electronic and static signages to guide the drivers to reach a vacant parking spot on the closest parking level.
"This will be supported by an electronic system called the Space Availability Display System (SADS)," the official added.
The maximum time from the entry to a parking bay and from there to the exit point is expected to be approximately five minutes.
According to DIAL, the entry into MLCP will be based on a semi-automatic ticketing system. Parking tickets will be dispensed through the automatic dispensers before entry and payments shall be taken through cash and credit cards.
Another integrated system called the Airport Parking Payment System (APPS), will support the payments and calculation of usage time for parking.
"The parking facilities will also feature Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV), Public Address (PA) system and live Flight Information Display System (FIDS)," the official said.
T3 will also include 78 aerobridges, 63 elevators, 35 escalators, 168 check-in counters, 95 immigration counters, and a high speed metro rail link to the city centre.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/After-new-terminal-Delhi-airport-to-have-multi-level-parking/Article1-567265.aspx
Driving to the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi and worried about finding parking space? Not any more. Come July 16 and the new Terminal-3 (T3) will boast of the largest multi-level car parking (MLCP) facility in the country, with a capacity of 4,300 cars.
"For an infrastructure facility like an airport, a good parking facility becomes imperative for smooth traffic flow and a significant criterion for determining passenger comfort," an official of Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) said on the condition of anonymity.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday inaugurated the glitzy new T3 terminal at the IGI Airport, stated to be the sixth largest and among the most modern in the world, built in record 37 months at a cost of nearly $3 billion.
The actual operations will however start only on July 16, well in time for the Commonwealth Games to be held in the capital in October.
"The combined parking facility at both the domestic and international terminal is around 2,000. MLCP is important because T3 will handle both international and domestic operations," the DIAL official said.
MLCP has been described as an effective space management system for solving parking woes all over the world. It can be described as a parking building, with multiple floors to park on, thus saving space and time for parking.
"At T3, the multi-level car parking will be ground plus a five-floor structure. With seven levels, the terrace will also be used for parking," the official added.
The ground floor of MLCP will be 19,263 sq metres and the other floors above will be 19,155 sq metres each.
"The parking structure will be well connected to the T3 building through a corridor at ground level and through an air-conditioned elevated sky walk with travelators," the official added.
MLCP will have four entry and exit gates at the ground floor, while the upper floors of the parking facility will have two entry and exit lanes.
For faster traffic movement, MLCP will employ both electronic and static signages to guide the drivers to reach a vacant parking spot on the closest parking level.
"This will be supported by an electronic system called the Space Availability Display System (SADS)," the official added.
The maximum time from the entry to a parking bay and from there to the exit point is expected to be approximately five minutes.
According to DIAL, the entry into MLCP will be based on a semi-automatic ticketing system. Parking tickets will be dispensed through the automatic dispensers before entry and payments shall be taken through cash and credit cards.
Another integrated system called the Airport Parking Payment System (APPS), will support the payments and calculation of usage time for parking.
"The parking facilities will also feature Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV), Public Address (PA) system and live Flight Information Display System (FIDS)," the official said.
T3 will also include 78 aerobridges, 63 elevators, 35 escalators, 168 check-in counters, 95 immigration counters, and a high speed metro rail link to the city centre.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/After-new-terminal-Delhi-airport-to-have-multi-level-parking/Article1-567265.aspx
Friday, July 2, 2010
As traffic cops crack the whip, auto drivers try to play decent
Friday, 02 July, 2010
Delhi's auto-rickshaw drivers, infamous or their rude behaviour and penchant for overcharging, seems to be quickly mending their ways with the Traffic Police cracking down on those not sticking to the revised auto fares.
Thanks to the ongoing vigilance drive, which has at least 340 traffic police personnel on the roads to tame auto drivers, the commuter has emerged an unlikely winner despite the increased burden on their pocket due to the fare hike. Since Monday, the auto drivers have been more than willing to actually go where asked to, even short distances, and that too with the meter on. Arbitrary charges and the resultant haggling seems to be passe, at least for now.
Over the last three days, violators have been fined by the traffic police. On Wednesday, 126 autos were impounded and at least 1,620 challans were issued for violating permit conditions.
"I am surprised, I didn't have to haggle with the auto-wallah for going to office today. Even the wait to scout for one wasn't too long. The first auto that came my way stopped and, without any argument, turned the meter on. I was surprised as I am used to my daily battle with the auto driver," said Jyotsna Krishnan, who has to take an auto from RK Puram to go to her office on Barakhamba Road every day.
"At least 1,620 autos were challaned on Wednesday and the figure was close to 1,400 on Tuesday. At least 126 were impounded on Wednesday and 122 on Tuesday. In several cases we are prosecuting auto drivers for violating their permit conditions. According to the permit, they cannot refuse a passenger to travel any distance, long or short," Joint Commissioner of Police Satyendra Garg told Newsline.
The traffic police had earlier maintained it was difficult to tame the errant auto drivers as some of their grievances vis-a-vis a hike in the price of CNG were genuine. "But now their fares have been increased and drivers have to follow the conditions of their permit," Garg said.
"We will be very tough for the first three to four days. We will relax the drive a bit to watch the behaviour of auto drivers in the coming days. A lot of manpower has been concentrated on this drive. We will conduct this drive on certain days every week," Garg said.
The Delhi Traffic Police has also deployed special teams at points infamous for the presence of touts like railway stations, ISBTs and the IGI Airport.
Police strategy
The traffic Police has formed two teams each for Delhi's 40 traffic circles. One of the two teams has a female personnel who acts as a decoy passenger wanting to go a short distance. If refused, the driver is challaned then and there. The other team, comprising at least four personnel, stops autos randomly and ask the passenger if the driver is charging by the meter. The driver's licence is checked and he is allowed to go only if everything is in order.
Original news source http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/as-traffic-cops-crack-the-whip-auto-drivers-try-to-play-decent/641142/
Delhi's auto-rickshaw drivers, infamous or their rude behaviour and penchant for overcharging, seems to be quickly mending their ways with the Traffic Police cracking down on those not sticking to the revised auto fares.
Thanks to the ongoing vigilance drive, which has at least 340 traffic police personnel on the roads to tame auto drivers, the commuter has emerged an unlikely winner despite the increased burden on their pocket due to the fare hike. Since Monday, the auto drivers have been more than willing to actually go where asked to, even short distances, and that too with the meter on. Arbitrary charges and the resultant haggling seems to be passe, at least for now.
Over the last three days, violators have been fined by the traffic police. On Wednesday, 126 autos were impounded and at least 1,620 challans were issued for violating permit conditions.
"I am surprised, I didn't have to haggle with the auto-wallah for going to office today. Even the wait to scout for one wasn't too long. The first auto that came my way stopped and, without any argument, turned the meter on. I was surprised as I am used to my daily battle with the auto driver," said Jyotsna Krishnan, who has to take an auto from RK Puram to go to her office on Barakhamba Road every day.
"At least 1,620 autos were challaned on Wednesday and the figure was close to 1,400 on Tuesday. At least 126 were impounded on Wednesday and 122 on Tuesday. In several cases we are prosecuting auto drivers for violating their permit conditions. According to the permit, they cannot refuse a passenger to travel any distance, long or short," Joint Commissioner of Police Satyendra Garg told Newsline.
The traffic police had earlier maintained it was difficult to tame the errant auto drivers as some of their grievances vis-a-vis a hike in the price of CNG were genuine. "But now their fares have been increased and drivers have to follow the conditions of their permit," Garg said.
"We will be very tough for the first three to four days. We will relax the drive a bit to watch the behaviour of auto drivers in the coming days. A lot of manpower has been concentrated on this drive. We will conduct this drive on certain days every week," Garg said.
The Delhi Traffic Police has also deployed special teams at points infamous for the presence of touts like railway stations, ISBTs and the IGI Airport.
Police strategy
The traffic Police has formed two teams each for Delhi's 40 traffic circles. One of the two teams has a female personnel who acts as a decoy passenger wanting to go a short distance. If refused, the driver is challaned then and there. The other team, comprising at least four personnel, stops autos randomly and ask the passenger if the driver is charging by the meter. The driver's licence is checked and he is allowed to go only if everything is in order.
Original news source http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/as-traffic-cops-crack-the-whip-auto-drivers-try-to-play-decent/641142/
New Delhi Among Cities With Worst Traffic Conditions
Thursday, 01 July, 2010
New Delhi, the capital of India, has been adjudged among the worst cities as far as adverse traffic conditions are concerned. Ranked 5th among 20 cities from the world over, Delhi's traffic system was termed as having gone worse in the past few years, with unpleasant impact on the health and productivity of the Delhiites.
The news comes at a very crucial juncture for the Delhi government, which is busy planning the city for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, 2010, to begin in October. With the city set to receive thousands of foreign tourists along with athletes, the 81 out of 100 score in IBM's "Commuter Pain Study," does not bode well either for the administration or the people of Delhi.
The score as well as the ranking reflects the Delhi administration's "failure to keep the transportation infrastructure at pace with economic activity."
The study, which was carried out in 20 cities of the world, involved interviews of about 8,192 vehicle drivers and the majority opined that the daily commute between home and office was becoming a "longer and more grueling" task for them than it was earlier.
Apart from Delhi, Beijing and Mexico City scored 99 out of 100 each, making them the top two cities in the world to face disastrous traffic jams. Cities like Johannesburg and Moscow complete the top 5 slots in the table with a score of 97 and 84, respectively.
Further down, the IBM study ranks the Brazilian city of Sao Paolo as 6th, Italian city of Milan as 7th, Argentinian capital Buenos Aires as 8th, the Spanish capital of Madrid as 9th and London as 10th.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Swedish capital Stockholm scored a lowly 15 out of 100 and was adjudged the best city for commuters while cities like Melbourne and Houston were also acknowledged for having the "most pain-free roadway traffic."
Meanwhile, 40 percent of Delhiites, who were surveyed by IBM, said that they would have been able to work better and to their capacity if only their commute from home to work was reduced or made comfortable, at least.
In general, 65 per cent of the surveyed motorists said that driving not only made them stressed but also angry and affected their sleep time.
The overall perception was that the worse traffic conditions were impacting the public's performance at work and at home.
Original news source http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7019164443#ixzz0sVU0ijT2
New Delhi, the capital of India, has been adjudged among the worst cities as far as adverse traffic conditions are concerned. Ranked 5th among 20 cities from the world over, Delhi's traffic system was termed as having gone worse in the past few years, with unpleasant impact on the health and productivity of the Delhiites.
The news comes at a very crucial juncture for the Delhi government, which is busy planning the city for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, 2010, to begin in October. With the city set to receive thousands of foreign tourists along with athletes, the 81 out of 100 score in IBM's "Commuter Pain Study," does not bode well either for the administration or the people of Delhi.
The score as well as the ranking reflects the Delhi administration's "failure to keep the transportation infrastructure at pace with economic activity."
The study, which was carried out in 20 cities of the world, involved interviews of about 8,192 vehicle drivers and the majority opined that the daily commute between home and office was becoming a "longer and more grueling" task for them than it was earlier.
Apart from Delhi, Beijing and Mexico City scored 99 out of 100 each, making them the top two cities in the world to face disastrous traffic jams. Cities like Johannesburg and Moscow complete the top 5 slots in the table with a score of 97 and 84, respectively.
Further down, the IBM study ranks the Brazilian city of Sao Paolo as 6th, Italian city of Milan as 7th, Argentinian capital Buenos Aires as 8th, the Spanish capital of Madrid as 9th and London as 10th.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Swedish capital Stockholm scored a lowly 15 out of 100 and was adjudged the best city for commuters while cities like Melbourne and Houston were also acknowledged for having the "most pain-free roadway traffic."
Meanwhile, 40 percent of Delhiites, who were surveyed by IBM, said that they would have been able to work better and to their capacity if only their commute from home to work was reduced or made comfortable, at least.
In general, 65 per cent of the surveyed motorists said that driving not only made them stressed but also angry and affected their sleep time.
The overall perception was that the worse traffic conditions were impacting the public's performance at work and at home.
Original news source http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7019164443#ixzz0sVU0ijT2
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