Monday, Aug 30, 2010
Passengers travelling by budget carriers now might have an option of hiring an auto rickshaw from the Delhi airport. At present, auto rickshaws are not allowed to pick up passengers from the Indira Gandhi International Airport by the Delhi Traffic Police. At the new Terminal 3, auto rickshaws and public transport buses are stopped two kilometres ahead of the terminal and passengers transferred to shuttle buses.
Though pre-paid taxi and radio cabs are readily available at the airport, there are no pre-paid auto rickshaw booths. Auto rickshaws dropping passengers at the airport are not allowed to wait or pick up passengers.
Auto rickshaws, however, might now be allowed at the domestic departure terminal 1D once the full cost carriers and their low cost arms shift to the Terminal 3. Terminal 1D will house only budget carriers IndiGo, Go Air and SpiceJet
"Auto rickshaws are not allowed to avoid congestion but with limited number of airline operating from terminal 1D, they can be allowed to operate," said a senior airport official, who didn't wish to be identified.
Sources said private airport operator Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) is discussing the issue with the Delhi Traffic Police. The DIAL spokesman, however, refused to comment.
"This will be a welcome move that was long overdue," said Pankaj Agarwal, a frequent flier.
"Air travel is as cheap as the railways now and a lot of people don't want to shell out large amount of money to hire cabs."
A pre-paid auto rickshaw booth is expected to come up at Terminal 1D by the end of October.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Soon-fliers-may-get-to-take-autos-from-IGIA/Article1-593975.aspx
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
New deadline for debris clearance
Friday, Aug 27, 2010
With just 36 days left for Commonwealth Games and incessant rains delaying key projects, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday refused to spell any deadline for their completion and only said all works will be over before commencement of the event on October 3.
Dikshit's comment came just four days ahead of expiry of the "final deadline of August 31", set by her last month, to complete all the works linked to the event, including the key Barapullah Nallah elevated road project which will link Games Village with the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
"It has been raining very heavily which has affected our works. If rain stops and sun comes out then we should be able to complete all the work by September 10. Otherwise we will have to extend the deadline," she told reporters after inaugurating a parking facility near JLN Stadium.
"But we are confident by grace of God we will be able to finish everything before October 3," she said.
The Chief Minister also took potshots at the media for the negative publicity about the Games and said "things are being exaggerated."
"I do not know why it is being done. It is not an event of any party. It is an event of the whole country. The pride of the country is associated with it," she said.
The Chief Minister said the deadline for removal of debris across the city has also been extended to September 10 instead of August 31.
Officials said out of the 34 major projects undertaken by Delhi Government to enhance the city's infrastructure, 15 are yet to be completed.
Giving an account of various projects being developed by the city government to augment city infrastructure ahead of the sporting event, she said "Delhi will wear a different look when the Games begin." She said the Barapullah Nallah elevated road will be extended to INA market which will provide a direct link from East Delhi to South Delhi.
The parking facility, also an important Games project, has been constructed at a cost of Rs 304 crore by the MCD by covering Kushak and Sunheri Nallah near the stadium.
Dikshit described it as a permanent infrastructure for Delhi though it has been specially constructed to provide ample parking facility during the Games. It will have parking capacity for 820 low floor buses.
Delhi Mayor P R Sawhney said the construction of the parking lot was a challenging assignment. He said 10,000 jhuggis were to be relocated to develop it and the project also involved shifting of huge number of pipelines of various utilities including DJB, MTNL and BSES.
"The construction was carried out in a record time of 16 months... we will complete all the works related to Commonwealth Games on time," the Mayor said.
Dikshit said the Games has "provided us a unique opportunity" to accelerate the pace of development and move close to become a world-class city.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Prem Nagar underpass which will facilitate smooth flow of traffic during the Games.
Sawhney said that the MCD will co-operate with the city government in making Delhi a world-class city.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/commonwealth-games/top-stories/Works-will-be-over-before-CWG-starts-Sheila-Dikshit/articleshow/6447130.cms#ixzz0xsIbyy6g
With just 36 days left for Commonwealth Games and incessant rains delaying key projects, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday refused to spell any deadline for their completion and only said all works will be over before commencement of the event on October 3.
Dikshit's comment came just four days ahead of expiry of the "final deadline of August 31", set by her last month, to complete all the works linked to the event, including the key Barapullah Nallah elevated road project which will link Games Village with the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
"It has been raining very heavily which has affected our works. If rain stops and sun comes out then we should be able to complete all the work by September 10. Otherwise we will have to extend the deadline," she told reporters after inaugurating a parking facility near JLN Stadium.
"But we are confident by grace of God we will be able to finish everything before October 3," she said.
The Chief Minister also took potshots at the media for the negative publicity about the Games and said "things are being exaggerated."
"I do not know why it is being done. It is not an event of any party. It is an event of the whole country. The pride of the country is associated with it," she said.
The Chief Minister said the deadline for removal of debris across the city has also been extended to September 10 instead of August 31.
Officials said out of the 34 major projects undertaken by Delhi Government to enhance the city's infrastructure, 15 are yet to be completed.
Giving an account of various projects being developed by the city government to augment city infrastructure ahead of the sporting event, she said "Delhi will wear a different look when the Games begin." She said the Barapullah Nallah elevated road will be extended to INA market which will provide a direct link from East Delhi to South Delhi.
The parking facility, also an important Games project, has been constructed at a cost of Rs 304 crore by the MCD by covering Kushak and Sunheri Nallah near the stadium.
Dikshit described it as a permanent infrastructure for Delhi though it has been specially constructed to provide ample parking facility during the Games. It will have parking capacity for 820 low floor buses.
Delhi Mayor P R Sawhney said the construction of the parking lot was a challenging assignment. He said 10,000 jhuggis were to be relocated to develop it and the project also involved shifting of huge number of pipelines of various utilities including DJB, MTNL and BSES.
"The construction was carried out in a record time of 16 months... we will complete all the works related to Commonwealth Games on time," the Mayor said.
Dikshit said the Games has "provided us a unique opportunity" to accelerate the pace of development and move close to become a world-class city.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Prem Nagar underpass which will facilitate smooth flow of traffic during the Games.
Sawhney said that the MCD will co-operate with the city government in making Delhi a world-class city.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/commonwealth-games/top-stories/Works-will-be-over-before-CWG-starts-Sheila-Dikshit/articleshow/6447130.cms#ixzz0xsIbyy6g
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Badly dug-up CP excluded from cycle trial route
Friday, Aug 27, 2010
With barely two days to go for the cycling test event, the Organising Committee (OC) of the Commonwealth Games has removed Connaught Place from the route as construction work is still on in the market. On August 26, HT had reported that as work in CP was still continuing, the route for the cycling track would be shortened. Despite repeated attempts, OC spokesperson Lalit Bhanot could not be contacted for his comments. The Delhi Traffic police have been informed about the new route, which will now start from YMCA and then to Parliament Street, Central Vista, Rajpath.
"Cyclists will have to go round and round the new route a number of times to make up for the loss," said a senior traffic police official.
Earlier, the route included Inner and Outer Circle of Connaught Place where work still continues.
The Delhi Traffic police have also given a conditional No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the organisers.
"The NOC has been given with a condition that barricading has to be completed before the trial," said Ajay Chadha, special CP (traffic).
The traffic police said with Connaught Place out of the picture, it would be easier to man traffic and the arrangement would safe for the participants as well.
"Work in CP is still being carried out, so it was impossible to include it in the route. Also to ensure barricading is completed on time, we had to shorten it," said a senior traffic police official, requesting to remain anonymous. As the roads in the Inner and Outer circles are in a bad shape because of the restoration work of CP, the police were reluctant to give permission.
The organisers of the cycling event had also admitted that due to the incessant rains certain sections of the track had become unfit for use.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Badly-dug-up-CP-excluded-from-cycle-trial-route/Article1-592353.aspx
With barely two days to go for the cycling test event, the Organising Committee (OC) of the Commonwealth Games has removed Connaught Place from the route as construction work is still on in the market. On August 26, HT had reported that as work in CP was still continuing, the route for the cycling track would be shortened. Despite repeated attempts, OC spokesperson Lalit Bhanot could not be contacted for his comments. The Delhi Traffic police have been informed about the new route, which will now start from YMCA and then to Parliament Street, Central Vista, Rajpath.
"Cyclists will have to go round and round the new route a number of times to make up for the loss," said a senior traffic police official.
Earlier, the route included Inner and Outer Circle of Connaught Place where work still continues.
The Delhi Traffic police have also given a conditional No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the organisers.
"The NOC has been given with a condition that barricading has to be completed before the trial," said Ajay Chadha, special CP (traffic).
The traffic police said with Connaught Place out of the picture, it would be easier to man traffic and the arrangement would safe for the participants as well.
"Work in CP is still being carried out, so it was impossible to include it in the route. Also to ensure barricading is completed on time, we had to shorten it," said a senior traffic police official, requesting to remain anonymous. As the roads in the Inner and Outer circles are in a bad shape because of the restoration work of CP, the police were reluctant to give permission.
The organisers of the cycling event had also admitted that due to the incessant rains certain sections of the track had become unfit for use.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Badly-dug-up-CP-excluded-from-cycle-trial-route/Article1-592353.aspx
Gurgaon to have special traffic lanes
Friday, Aug 27, 2010
The Gurgaon district authorities have decided to demarcate a dedicated lane on the Commonwealth Games route for players and spectators. Following the pattern adopted by the Delhi traffic police, trial runs to make the commuters aware about the arrangement will be conducted within a week.
"One dedicated lane would be reserved for the Games so as to provide hassle-free movement to the visitors. A toll gate would also be kept reserved. Lanes which would be dedicated would be used as and when required. The trial run on the expressway would be conducted in a week so that people know about the plan," Gurgaon Police Commissioner S S Deswal said.
Colour scheme for strips and other demarcations would be kept similar to that of Delhi, he added.
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Gurgaon-to-have-special-traffic-lanes/673014
The Gurgaon district authorities have decided to demarcate a dedicated lane on the Commonwealth Games route for players and spectators. Following the pattern adopted by the Delhi traffic police, trial runs to make the commuters aware about the arrangement will be conducted within a week.
"One dedicated lane would be reserved for the Games so as to provide hassle-free movement to the visitors. A toll gate would also be kept reserved. Lanes which would be dedicated would be used as and when required. The trial run on the expressway would be conducted in a week so that people know about the plan," Gurgaon Police Commissioner S S Deswal said.
Colour scheme for strips and other demarcations would be kept similar to that of Delhi, he added.
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Gurgaon-to-have-special-traffic-lanes/673014
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Mass transit to cure Delhi's traffic woes
Tuesday, Aug 24, 2010
Metro network of almost 190 km, 3,775 new buses and more than 5,000 radio taxis. Public transport in the Capital has never been better. But Delhi roads leave a lot to desire. Long serpentine queues and traffic snarls on all arterial roads are a common sight. Despite crowded roads, long travel time and parking woes, an ordinary Delhiite still prefers his vehicle to go to work.
Despite spending more than R16,000 crore on the Metro and R900 crore on new buses, the Delhi government is yet to find a way to get more people to use public transport.
The number of vehicles being registered daily in Delhi continues to swell while Delhi's road network continues to shrink compared to the vehicles.
Experts say, the govt must strengthen mass transit system to get people to shift from private vehicles to public transport. "(But) by constructing new flyovers, Delhi is inviting more people to travel by their own vehicles," said P.K. Sarkar, faculty, department of transport planning, School of Planning and Architecture.
He said the mass transit system should be strengthened by increasing metro network to more than 400-kilometre.
Experts said the government should develop an integrated metro, light rail and bus system. To advise motorists on traffic snarls and routes, experts also advise dedicated FM radio channel and messaging system.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Mass-transit-to-cure-Delhi-s-traffic-woes/Article1-590917.aspx
Metro network of almost 190 km, 3,775 new buses and more than 5,000 radio taxis. Public transport in the Capital has never been better. But Delhi roads leave a lot to desire. Long serpentine queues and traffic snarls on all arterial roads are a common sight. Despite crowded roads, long travel time and parking woes, an ordinary Delhiite still prefers his vehicle to go to work.
Despite spending more than R16,000 crore on the Metro and R900 crore on new buses, the Delhi government is yet to find a way to get more people to use public transport.
The number of vehicles being registered daily in Delhi continues to swell while Delhi's road network continues to shrink compared to the vehicles.
Experts say, the govt must strengthen mass transit system to get people to shift from private vehicles to public transport. "(But) by constructing new flyovers, Delhi is inviting more people to travel by their own vehicles," said P.K. Sarkar, faculty, department of transport planning, School of Planning and Architecture.
He said the mass transit system should be strengthened by increasing metro network to more than 400-kilometre.
Experts said the government should develop an integrated metro, light rail and bus system. To advise motorists on traffic snarls and routes, experts also advise dedicated FM radio channel and messaging system.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Mass-transit-to-cure-Delhi-s-traffic-woes/Article1-590917.aspx
Monday, August 23, 2010
New in Capital: Swish traffic stoppers in grey and black
Monday, Aug 23, 2010
The next time you drive down to a crossroad in the Capital, you might end up blinking at the traffic signal instead of the other way around.
The reason? Stylish cantilevered traffic signals, based on an international model, are slated to come up at 150 intersections across the city soon. The Delhi Traffic Police have zeroed in on a particular design — complete with a grey pole, black polycarbonate casing and LED lights — for installation on several corridors being streetscaped for the Commonwealth Games.
Some intersections like Rajghat and CR Park already have the new traffic signals in place. The signals, placed on cantilevers would also be installed at intersections such as August Kranti Marg, Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, Hauz Khas Circle, Africa Avenue, Nizamuddin Ring Road, Lady Shri Ram College, Paharganj and Lodhi Road over the next month.
However, while Dwarka and CR Park have signals on blue poles with black polycarbonate casing, the Delhi Traffic Police recently decided to change the overall colour code to grey and black. Officials said that though there are no immediate plans to change the signals already installed at CR Park and Dwarka, they would eventually be brought under the uniform colour code as well.
Agencies such as the NDMC, PWD, CPWD and MCD, which are undertaking streetscaping work on several important corridors for the Games, have been requested by the Traffic Police to allocate a certain amount for changing the signals too.
Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ajay Chadha told Newsline, "We looked at several designs and have zeroed in on a grey and black code for the new cantilevered traffic signals. The new signals have LED lights that consume less power. This is in keeping with international standards. The change will eventually be integrated with the intelligent traffic system (ITS) that has been planned for the entire city. That will take over two years to be implemented in its entirety."
As of now, only corridors that are bing streetscaped for the Games will get the new traffic signals. Officials said CMS and Keltron have been awarded the contract for installing them, estimated at Rs 4-8 lakh each, depending on the size. The cost includes installation of the system, wiring, controller and poles.
"The cost of changing the signals is being borne by civic agencies. Contracts have been signed with the firms, which will change the signals at 150 chosen intersections," Chadha said.
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/new-in-capital-swish-traffic-stoppers-in-grey-and-black/663684/0
No end to Delhi's traffic woes
Sunday, Aug 22, 2010
The national capital has around 700 traffic signals, regulating a vehicular population upwards of 65 lakhs. That's a single red light for more than 9,000 vehicles. Add to this abysmally-low signal to vehicle ratio, a few centimetres of unexpected rainfall, waterlogged flyovers, potholed roads, and
you get a traffic management disaster waiting to happen. "The problem with most traffic signals in the city is that they are too old to function efficiently, especially during monsoon. A majority of them get shorted-out due to water seepage during heavy rains," explained Ajay Chadha, Special CP (traffic).
Chadha said the Delhi Traffic Police was aware of the shortcomings of the city's traffic infrastructure.
"We have taken steps to rectify this problem in a phased manner. Out of the existing 700 traffic signals in the city, 150 have already been replaced. A tender to replace another 150 has also been floated," he added.
Unfortunately for commuters, however, the chaos that a sudden downpour brings to the city's commuters doesn't progress in phases.
On an average, five minutes' continuous rainfall ends-up retarding these traffic signals.
Along with its sanctioned strength of 5,500 officers, the Delhi Traffic Police has 610 Pulsar bikes constituting its Chase and Challan squad.
It also has 70 cranes at its disposal.
Cranes or no cranes — a single broken-down light motor vehicle (LMV) on a flyover or popular market is usually the first step to an extensive gridlock of vehicles stuck bumper to bumper on city roads.
Even as the much-anticipated Intelligent Traffic System (ITS), with its integrated network of 270-odd traffic signals, remains a distant dream, Delhi's commuters seem resigned to face traffic woes, repeatedly.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/No-end-to-Delhi-s-traffic-woes/Article1-590113.aspx
Road cave-in reports on record high in city
Monday, Aug 23, 2010
Old roads, new roads, it appears that all roads in the Capital are on the verge of collapse. Even the ones that have been laid ahead of the Commonwealth Games have begun giving trouble: Several roads near the Games venues have already started showing rot, raising serious questions about the quality of work being carried out.
Ringing the alarm bell, the Delhi Traffic Police have said this is the first time that so many cases of cave-in have been reported. On Saturday, south Delhi's Siri Fort Road, which is bang opposite one of the main venues for badminton and squash caved in throwing traffic out of gear.
The Public Works Department (PWD) constructed the road barely two months ago. Defending the quality, PWD blamed seepages and trench-less work being carried out by service providers for the cave-ins. In addition to this, a road outside Gate No.1 of Yamuna Sports Complex, which is also one of the Games venues, caved in on Saturday.
Rakesh Mishra, PWD engineer-in-chief, blamed constant leakages in the pipe near Kamla Nehru College. He said the soil inside had become soft and due to traffic's pressure caved in. "We will be restoring the stretch now," Mishra said.
He said the trench-less technology used to put down utilities services including communication lines and electricity cables the roads are becoming hollow from inside. "The road cave-in that happened near the Yamuna Sports Complex was also a result of the digging work being carried out by the power company," he said.
This year over 20 roads have caved in so far in just two months: This includes roads under the jurisdiction both the New Delhi Municipal Council and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
Last year, only 12 major road cave-ins were reported from the city. With Games round the corner, the civic agencies are busy laying new roads but it appears all this is being done in a hurry.
After Sunday's rains, even roads in the VIP areas such as Shahjahan Road, the roundabout of Tughlaq Road, Bhairon Road and Mathura road have potholes. "The number of cases of cave-ins have increased manifold this year compared to last year. We had sent a list of roads that usually crumble even after a brief spell of rain to the agencies for carrying out repair work. But even we were caught unaware by some of the roads that caved in, as a few of them are brand new — such as Siri Fort Road and many have no history of caving in — such as the Ashoka Road and Rajesh Pilot Marg," said Ajay Chadha, special CP (traffic). "With the city receiving excessive rainfall this year the situation is all the more worse."
Trench-less technology is again being blamed for this. "For laying electricity cables and communication lines digging up the entire stretch is no longer required. Over a period of time water starts seeping and the soil becomes soil and gives way when it rains heavily," said P K Sarkar, head of transport planning, School of Planning and Architecture.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Road-cave-in-reports-on-record-high-in-city/Article1-590471.aspx
Trial run held of Games traffic plan
Sunday, Aug 22, 2010
The trial run of a traffic plan reserving road lanes for vehicles that will ferry Commonwealth Games athletes and officials was conducted Sunday by the Delhi traffic police in south Delhi's Lodhi Colony area.
The trial run was conducted 11 a.m.-2 p.m on a 3-km stretch on Lodhi Road.
'The trial for the Games lanes was started from today (Sunday). About 40 traffic cops were deployed to educate people on the Games lanes so that motorists get used to it before the event in October,' Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (Traffic), told IANS.
He also said the trial was conducted on both carriageways of Lodhi Road.
In the coming weeks, trials will be held on roads near the airport, the Games village, the Thyagaraj Stadium and other Games venues.
'Initially, the trials will be carried out on weekends and later during weekdays. This arrangement will help commuters understand the special traffic movement during the Games,' Garg added.
'The trials will be first done in three-laned roads and by the first week of September, it will be started in two-laned roads. Sardar Patel Marg and Kamal Attaturk Road, which form part of the Games routes, will also be used for trials,' he informed.
Meanwhile, many commuters feel that the traffic congestion during the Games may get worse, particularly on two-laned roads as these are already carrying more traffic than their capacity.
Speaking about the traffic arrangements during the Games, Garg said: 'We are planning out ways so that no traffic congestion will happen during the Games.'
'Traffic police will hold talks with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) officials and we will jointly come out with a plan to ease traffic during the event,' he said.
Original news source http://sify.com/finance/trial-run-held-of-games-traffic-plan-news-default-kiwpEecaeba.html
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
402 auto stands to come up in city
Thursday, Aug 19, 2010
The Delhi Traffic Police on Wednesday told the Delhi High Court that they had identified 402 spots across the city as designated auto stands. "Following the court direction, 402 places have been notified in consultation with the area traffic officers concerned as 'halt and go' TSR stands. There will be space for five autos any time", Jyoti Singh, counsel for the traffic police told a Bench.
She said a notification had been issued in this regard and published in newspapers.
But when the petitioner said a detailed list of all spot was not part of the notification, Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Manmohan asked Singh to ensure the exhaustive list be put on the traffic police website.
The traffic police said they would take the help of civic agencies to put up signages at each spot.
According to the PIL, there was not a single legally authorised stand for the 55,000-odd auto rickshaws registered in the capital.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/402-auto-stands-to-come-up-in-city/Article1-588738.aspx
Delhi Police to get Speed Radar Guns
Tuesday, Aug 17, 2010
In a bid to regulate the over speeding vehicles in the national capital, the Delhi Police is in the process to procure Compact Modular Speed Measurement Device.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Mullappally Ramachandran in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha informed that the device is capable of being used even during night and speed detection would be automatic and data alongwith coloured digital image can be recorded.
An amount of Rs. 525 Lakh has been earmarked for the procurement of Compact Modular Speed Measurement Devices.
Original news source http://truthdive.com/2010/08/17/Delhi-Police-to-get-Speed-Radar-Guns/
In a bid to regulate the over speeding vehicles in the national capital, the Delhi Police is in the process to procure Compact Modular Speed Measurement Device.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Mullappally Ramachandran in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha informed that the device is capable of being used even during night and speed detection would be automatic and data alongwith coloured digital image can be recorded.
An amount of Rs. 525 Lakh has been earmarked for the procurement of Compact Modular Speed Measurement Devices.
Original news source http://truthdive.com/2010/08/17/Delhi-Police-to-get-Speed-Radar-Guns/
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Free-for-all for Delhi traffic police
Monday, Aug 16, 2010
Intense security arrangements and traffic diversions put in place by the Delhi Police caused massive inconvenience to Delhites on Sunday morning. Even families with valid invites en route the Red Fort to witness the Independence Day Celebrations complained of harassment and prolonged, unnecessary vehicle checking procedures by Delhi Police personnel.
"My family and I ended-up missing the program because not only were we were made to stop at each and every barricaded checkpoint in place on theway from Laxmi Nagar to Red Fort but also at random locations where a police officer happened to be standing," said Rajiv Gupta (46), a property dealer who resides in Laxmi Nagar.
Kamini Rastogi (29) who is pursuing law from Delhi University said no proper system of verifying the credentials of invitees was in place and most officers seemed interested only in harassing commuters.
"At one particular checkpoint less than half a kilometre from the Red Fort, the officer on duty refused to let me pass even after I showed him the same documents that I had produced before half a dozen officers earlier. At most checkpoints, officers would gesture the driver to move away and behave rudely if one attempted to explain the situation," she said.
Many felt lack of proper parking facilities at the Red Fort added to commuters' woes.
"Despite reaching well in time and having a proper parking pass, I was not allowed to park my car in the designated area because it was full. By the time I managed to find a parking space and return to the venue – the Prime Minister's speech had begun and I wasn't allowed entry," said Harshit Bansal (31), a software engineer and resident of Kamla Nagar.
Delhi Police spokesperson ACP Rajan Bhagat said: "The security arrangements this time around have been most effective and we are yet to receive any complaints as far as they are concerned. The Delhi Police officers on duty were given proper and adequate briefs and did their jobs as well as was possible."
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Free-for-all-for-Delhi-traffic-police/Article1-587348.aspx
Intense security arrangements and traffic diversions put in place by the Delhi Police caused massive inconvenience to Delhites on Sunday morning. Even families with valid invites en route the Red Fort to witness the Independence Day Celebrations complained of harassment and prolonged, unnecessary vehicle checking procedures by Delhi Police personnel.
"My family and I ended-up missing the program because not only were we were made to stop at each and every barricaded checkpoint in place on theway from Laxmi Nagar to Red Fort but also at random locations where a police officer happened to be standing," said Rajiv Gupta (46), a property dealer who resides in Laxmi Nagar.
Kamini Rastogi (29) who is pursuing law from Delhi University said no proper system of verifying the credentials of invitees was in place and most officers seemed interested only in harassing commuters.
"At one particular checkpoint less than half a kilometre from the Red Fort, the officer on duty refused to let me pass even after I showed him the same documents that I had produced before half a dozen officers earlier. At most checkpoints, officers would gesture the driver to move away and behave rudely if one attempted to explain the situation," she said.
Many felt lack of proper parking facilities at the Red Fort added to commuters' woes.
"Despite reaching well in time and having a proper parking pass, I was not allowed to park my car in the designated area because it was full. By the time I managed to find a parking space and return to the venue – the Prime Minister's speech had begun and I wasn't allowed entry," said Harshit Bansal (31), a software engineer and resident of Kamla Nagar.
Delhi Police spokesperson ACP Rajan Bhagat said: "The security arrangements this time around have been most effective and we are yet to receive any complaints as far as they are concerned. The Delhi Police officers on duty were given proper and adequate briefs and did their jobs as well as was possible."
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Free-for-all-for-Delhi-traffic-police/Article1-587348.aspx
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Letting your minor kid drive? Face the music
Wednesday, Aug 11, 2010
Think twice before letting your child drive a car or a motorbike. They will no longer be ignored or treated lightly. Initiating first of its kind drive on August 2 and 3, the Delhi Traffic Police have caught as many as 50 school children in uniform driving motorised vehicles from in near their
schools.
Traffic police impounded their vehicles and the children were left with a caution not to drive till they turn 18. Their parents, however, had to pay for it.
"We have initiated a special drive against driving by school-going children in Delhi. We have decided to rope in schools to sensitise students about the danger of driving by minors, with the number of such cases increasing manifolds," said Ajay Chadha, Special CP (Traffic).
He said that similar surprise drives would be conducted across Delhi repeatedly.
A senior official of the department said a major section of students who drive to school are from effluent families. "School authorities have been asked to ensure that students do not drive themselves to school. We have asked them to sensitise parents as well," said the officer.
According to official sources, the number of prosecution on minor driving had risen to 4,914 from 4,236 in 2008. In 2007, the figure was 2,997.
Traffic policemen stopped minors who were found driving vehicles, seized the vehicles, advised them about the law and hazards of minor driving, asked them to call the owner of the vehicles (mostly parents) and left them.
Owners could collect the vehicles only after paying R1,000 each — under Section 5 of Motor Vehicles Act (for allowing unauthorised person to drive).
Some of the popular schools from where students were caught include St Mary's School, Jindal Public School, Guru Harkrishan Public School in Punjabi Bagh, Indraprasth Public School in Paschim Vihar, DAV School in Shalimar Bagh, Tyagi Public School in Kesav Puram, The Srijan Senior Secondary School, St Mary's School and DAV School in Model Town.
Some of the areas from where other minor drivers were caught in large number include Ashok Vihar and Model Town in North Range, Tilak Nagar, Dwarka, Rajouri Garden, Punjabi Bagh, Kapashera, Patel Nagar in West Range.
However, only five such cases were found in Central range and three in East range.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Letting-your-minor-kid-drive-Face-the-music/Article1-584961.aspx
Think twice before letting your child drive a car or a motorbike. They will no longer be ignored or treated lightly. Initiating first of its kind drive on August 2 and 3, the Delhi Traffic Police have caught as many as 50 school children in uniform driving motorised vehicles from in near their
schools.
Traffic police impounded their vehicles and the children were left with a caution not to drive till they turn 18. Their parents, however, had to pay for it.
"We have initiated a special drive against driving by school-going children in Delhi. We have decided to rope in schools to sensitise students about the danger of driving by minors, with the number of such cases increasing manifolds," said Ajay Chadha, Special CP (Traffic).
He said that similar surprise drives would be conducted across Delhi repeatedly.
A senior official of the department said a major section of students who drive to school are from effluent families. "School authorities have been asked to ensure that students do not drive themselves to school. We have asked them to sensitise parents as well," said the officer.
According to official sources, the number of prosecution on minor driving had risen to 4,914 from 4,236 in 2008. In 2007, the figure was 2,997.
Traffic policemen stopped minors who were found driving vehicles, seized the vehicles, advised them about the law and hazards of minor driving, asked them to call the owner of the vehicles (mostly parents) and left them.
Owners could collect the vehicles only after paying R1,000 each — under Section 5 of Motor Vehicles Act (for allowing unauthorised person to drive).
Some of the popular schools from where students were caught include St Mary's School, Jindal Public School, Guru Harkrishan Public School in Punjabi Bagh, Indraprasth Public School in Paschim Vihar, DAV School in Shalimar Bagh, Tyagi Public School in Kesav Puram, The Srijan Senior Secondary School, St Mary's School and DAV School in Model Town.
Some of the areas from where other minor drivers were caught in large number include Ashok Vihar and Model Town in North Range, Tilak Nagar, Dwarka, Rajouri Garden, Punjabi Bagh, Kapashera, Patel Nagar in West Range.
However, only five such cases were found in Central range and three in East range.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Letting-your-minor-kid-drive-Face-the-music/Article1-584961.aspx
15-minute shower, dug-up roads bring traffic to a crawl again
Wednesday, Aug 11, 2010
Traffic in parts of South and South-East Delhi moved at a snail's pace on Tuesday due to light showers and roads that were dug up as part of the ongoing construction activity.
However, the Delhi Traffic Police considered it a better day for the city and maintained that "Delhiites have seen worse scenes after the rains".
"Traffic was slow in South and South-East Delhi. A major slowdown was caused due to road-digging work taken up by Delhi Transco around the Ashram area. Some areas reported water logging also, but the fact that it rained much after the morning rush hour and before the evening rush hour made things run smoothly," Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg said.
Traffic was reported to be slow from Ashram, towards New Friends Colony, Millennium Park and Moolchand. Water logging brought vehicular movement to a crawl near South Extension (from IIT to Adchini), outside Mehrauli station, on the Outer Ring Road under Bersarai Flyover, Maharani Bagh and Lajpat Nagar.
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A Metro crane that broke down on Mathura Road hampered traffic movement from Modi Flyover to Badarpur. However, there were no reports of traffic jams from usually affected points such as Dhaula Kuan and Moolchand Flyover.
Rain Drain
15 minutes of rain
36.6 degrees Celsius: Temperature recorded by the Safdarjung Met Department after the showers, 3 degrees above normal
21.6 mm rains till 5.30 pm
341.6 mm, total rain this season
28 degrees C: minimum temperature, 2 notches above normal
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/15-minute-shower--dug-up-roads-bring-traffic-to-a-crawl-again/658781/
Traffic in parts of South and South-East Delhi moved at a snail's pace on Tuesday due to light showers and roads that were dug up as part of the ongoing construction activity.
However, the Delhi Traffic Police considered it a better day for the city and maintained that "Delhiites have seen worse scenes after the rains".
"Traffic was slow in South and South-East Delhi. A major slowdown was caused due to road-digging work taken up by Delhi Transco around the Ashram area. Some areas reported water logging also, but the fact that it rained much after the morning rush hour and before the evening rush hour made things run smoothly," Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyendra Garg said.
Traffic was reported to be slow from Ashram, towards New Friends Colony, Millennium Park and Moolchand. Water logging brought vehicular movement to a crawl near South Extension (from IIT to Adchini), outside Mehrauli station, on the Outer Ring Road under Bersarai Flyover, Maharani Bagh and Lajpat Nagar.
Ads by Google Relax Refresh Rejuvenate Kohler Performance Showerheads Work Well Under Pressure. Do you?www.PlayWithPressureBest Business School Top & Leading MBA College University approved degreewww.selaquieducationEmaarMGF Marbella Gurgaon Luxury Villas Golf Course Ext. Road Starting @3.99 Cr. Call 09999999237www.emaarmgf-marbell
A Metro crane that broke down on Mathura Road hampered traffic movement from Modi Flyover to Badarpur. However, there were no reports of traffic jams from usually affected points such as Dhaula Kuan and Moolchand Flyover.
Rain Drain
15 minutes of rain
36.6 degrees Celsius: Temperature recorded by the Safdarjung Met Department after the showers, 3 degrees above normal
21.6 mm rains till 5.30 pm
341.6 mm, total rain this season
28 degrees C: minimum temperature, 2 notches above normal
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/15-minute-shower--dug-up-roads-bring-traffic-to-a-crawl-again/658781/
Friday, August 6, 2010
120 students to help manage Delhi traffic during CWG
Friday, Aug 06, 2010
As many as 120 university students, including 12 girls, Friday joined as volunteers to help the Delhi Traffic Police during the Commonwealth Games that start Oct 3.
Inducting them into the students traffic volunteers scholarship scheme 2010-11, Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna said people should develop a habit of voluntary compliance of rules and regulations on roads.
Khanna also handed the students, who have undergone training for about a month, identity cards as a token of induction.
'These students will for about a month support the Delhi Traffic Police during the Games in effective traffic management as per deployment plans by the traffic police,' an official said.
The scheme was launched in 1999 in coordination with the Delhi traffic police.
Its aim is to assist traffic police during peak hours in traffic management and road user education.
Original news source http://sify.com/news/120-students-to-help-manage-delhi-traffic-during-cwg-news-national-kigtEdbaacd.html
As many as 120 university students, including 12 girls, Friday joined as volunteers to help the Delhi Traffic Police during the Commonwealth Games that start Oct 3.
Inducting them into the students traffic volunteers scholarship scheme 2010-11, Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna said people should develop a habit of voluntary compliance of rules and regulations on roads.
Khanna also handed the students, who have undergone training for about a month, identity cards as a token of induction.
'These students will for about a month support the Delhi Traffic Police during the Games in effective traffic management as per deployment plans by the traffic police,' an official said.
The scheme was launched in 1999 in coordination with the Delhi traffic police.
Its aim is to assist traffic police during peak hours in traffic management and road user education.
Original news source http://sify.com/news/120-students-to-help-manage-delhi-traffic-during-cwg-news-national-kigtEdbaacd.html
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
LG facilitates road widening
Wenesday, Aug 04, 2010
Delhi lieutenant governor's office has issued a series of directions to civic agencies and other utilities so that NHAI can expedite the widening of M G Road from Andheria More to Gurgaon border ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
At a meeting held at LG office on Monday, BSES and MTNL were asked to complete the shifting of utilities by August 15. Agencies have informed that they have completed 90% work. Sources said that in response to NHAI's request to get enough space for the widening work, the LG also directed Delhi Traffic Police to make one lane on the stretch available for carrying out work.
"Traffic cops have been asked to prepare a diversion plan and make road-users aware of it well in advance. Similarly, DMRC has been directed to restore road stretches where certain portions have been damaged due to ongoing construction of foot-overbridges,'' said a senior government official.
He added that the forest department has given permission for felling trees for road widening. "Though MCD has removed its toll booths at the border, it is yet to remove hoardings and garbage bins on this stretch. This has been declared a National Highway, so hoardings are not permitted,'' said an official.
The 6-laning of this stretch of M G Road is scheduled to be completed by September.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/LG-facilitates-road-widening/articleshow/6253922.cms
Delhi lieutenant governor's office has issued a series of directions to civic agencies and other utilities so that NHAI can expedite the widening of M G Road from Andheria More to Gurgaon border ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
At a meeting held at LG office on Monday, BSES and MTNL were asked to complete the shifting of utilities by August 15. Agencies have informed that they have completed 90% work. Sources said that in response to NHAI's request to get enough space for the widening work, the LG also directed Delhi Traffic Police to make one lane on the stretch available for carrying out work.
"Traffic cops have been asked to prepare a diversion plan and make road-users aware of it well in advance. Similarly, DMRC has been directed to restore road stretches where certain portions have been damaged due to ongoing construction of foot-overbridges,'' said a senior government official.
He added that the forest department has given permission for felling trees for road widening. "Though MCD has removed its toll booths at the border, it is yet to remove hoardings and garbage bins on this stretch. This has been declared a National Highway, so hoardings are not permitted,'' said an official.
The 6-laning of this stretch of M G Road is scheduled to be completed by September.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/LG-facilitates-road-widening/articleshow/6253922.cms
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