BRT operator in Blueline's pocket

Friday, Sep 03, 2010


Planning extensive restrictions a day prior to the commencement of the trials for special dedicated lanes for the 2010 Commonwealth Games 2010, the Delhi Traffic Police on Friday appealed to the citizens to adhere to the issued road restrictions to avoid traffic chaos and fines.

The trials for the dedicated lanes and diversions would commence from Saturday along certain roads leading to the venues of the mega event.

"We appeal to the citizens, that there are some roads where traffic problems might occur because one of their lanes is dedicated for the Commonwealth Games traffic. So, if generally these roads can be avoided then they should and use available alternate routes so as to face less inconvenience," said Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ajay Chadha.

"We appeal to the citizens, that there are some roads where traffic problems might occur because one of their lanes is dedicated for the Commonwealth Games traffic. So, if generally these roads can be avoided then they should and use available alternate routes so as to face less inconvenience," he added, while advising Delhites to keep away from certain routes to avoid traffic congestions.

Chadha specified the names of the roads, where there might be more traffic problems.

"Most of the roads have three lanes, and if we have taken one lane so then also the traffic will run smoothly. However, roads like Sardar Patel, Panchsheel Marg, etc. are just two-lane roads, here the traffic chaos can be more," he said.

There are 36 reserved lanes stretching from the international airport to the Games Village and various other venues.

These lanes will be on the right side of the roads and earmarked by broad blue bands and Commonwealth Games logo.

Chadha further said that around 2000 traffic police personnel would be deployed all along the Games route.

"They would monitor and levy fines on those drivers straying into the CWG lanes from September 20 when the athletes start arriving. There will be zero tolerance during this period and we will be doing maximum prosecutions. We have already given our proposal for dedicated lanes; we will get the orders in other one or two days," said Chadha.

"The penalty for prohibition on Games lane will amount to rupees 2000 ($43). The lane will be declared under 115 Motor Vehicle Act, the violation for which is rupees 2000. The dedicated lane is part of the contract entered into by the host city and Commonwealth Games Federation," he added.

The lanes will be used for smooth movement of Games officials and sportspersons till October 16.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games, which kicks off on October 3, is India's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games.

India is expecting about two million tourists in New Delhi for the Games, as well as about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states.

Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/BRT-operator-in-Blueline-s-pocket/Article1-596195.aspx