No speed limit for Games buses

Wednesday, Sep 15, 2010



Starting September 15, 600 DTC buses  pressed into service for the Games will run without any speed governors. The Supreme Court carved out an exception for this fleet after the government expressed security concerns.

Fearing a Lahore-like attack, Delhi Police and Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) had earlier petitioned the Supreme Court for the removal of speed governors — fixed at 40kmph. The speed relaxation has been granted till October 20.

The buses meant for the Games were sanitized by Delhi Police. Anti-sabotage checks and other security features are being upgraded by the security wing of Delhi Police to prevent any hostage situation. The special bench of SC while granting relaxation asked DTC to furnish a complete list of registration numbers of those vehicles that will be used to ferry Games athletes, staff and officials to the amicus curiae for the case. dtc will also be required to provide details of the dedicated routes.

Lastly, the apex court clarified, only an emergency or any other exigency will justify a DTC bus deviating from the Games lane to public transport lane. After October 20, the speed limit of 40kmph will once again be applicable to the DTC fleet. On its part, the corporation informed the court that the 600 buses to be used for high-speed corridors will be stationed at Millennium Depot in the capital. After Delhi Police expressed its concerns, DTC moved the Supreme Court in July this year seeking relaxation of the speed barrier in September and October.

In its application, DTC requested permission to "operate its 600 buses in Delhi and NCR areas during the Games without speed-control devices". The application cited the attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore to drive home the point that "in the event of a terrorist strike, speedy evacuation/exit" will be hampered by the speed governors currently installed in all DTC buses as per a 1997 SC directive.

The security wing of Delhi Police will also be responsible for carrying athletes and officials in these buses.

Special commissioner of police (security) Ranjit Narayan told TOI, "We have drawn an elaborate plan for the security of players and officials. Security drills are being conducted and everything is on schedule." Policemen will accompany players and buses will be escorted by different police vehicles.

"All plans and schedules of players have been finalized. We will sanitize the route which will be taken by them in the city during any visit, including visit to stadia," said a senior officer. Meanwhile, DTC officials said buses that are not being used for the Games will be governed by the same standards and the speed limit of 40kmph. Buses meant for athletes will be used on the dedicated lanes where no other traffic is allowed. The traffic police will impose a fine of Rs 2,000 if anyone is found trying to enter the Games lane starting September 20.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/No-speed-limit-for-Games-buses/articleshow/6555922.cms#ixzz0za2OpxC0