DTC in race for killerline tag?

Sunday, January 27, 2011

In absence of the 'killer' Blueline buses, it seems the drivers of DTC buses have taken upon themselves to trample human lives under their wheels. Sample this: Till February 15 this year, as many as 11 people have lost their lives under the wheels of DTC buses. Last year, five people were crushed to death by the DTC buses during the same period.

Within this period 1,062 violations by DTC have been registered by traffic department compared to 274 last year.

The situation has gone so out of control that the Delhi traffic police had to initiate a special drive specifically against the DTC buses in the city.

Interestingly, the Delhi Transport Corporation has also sought the help of traffic police to curb road accidents by the DTC drivers that in turn has been tarnishing the image of DTC buses.

"The situation has already gone out of control within the first two months of the year.

If we do not start prosecuting the DTC buses, the death toll will increase heavily," a senior officer of Delhi traffic police said.

The Delhi Police have started prosecuting DTC buses for all kinds of violations, including dangerous driving, red light jumping, driving without wearing uniform or seat belt, overtaking, tempering speed governors among others. The Supreme Court has imposed a restriction on heavy vehicles overtaking any other moving  vehicle and picking up the passengers from other than bus stops.

"Initiating an organised drive on February 13, we have already prosecuted more than 500 DTC drivers for around 1,000 cases of traffic norm violations. Many buses were found with tempered speed governors. We also took up the matter with the DTC and the senior officials of the corporation have welcomed the move against the erring drivers," said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic). Nearly, 200 buses have been impounded for violating the Supreme Court order.

"Managing the DTC buses have become a tough challenge after the Blueline buses were phased out. Most of the accidents take place as the DTC buses are run by inexperienced drivers," said a senior traffic police official.

Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/DTC-in-race-for-killerline-tag/Article1-667327.aspx

MCD plans nine projects to ease traffic

Friday, January 25, 2011

Improved roads and more six-lane flyovers are the MCD's answer to Delhi's increasing traffic problems. It will be executing nine new projects worth Rs 966.52 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. The projects were cleared in a Works Committee meeting of the MCD. They include improving the 47-km long lane in Okhla industrial area and providing a parking-cum-road at the Nauroji Nagar Nallah from Africa Avenue to the Ring Road, which alone will cost cost Rs 233 crore. These projects also include providing ready-mix concrete pavements in Rohini, a few areas in central and south Delhi, Najafgarh and Narela. Two six lane flyovers will also be constructed by them including a 525-metre six-lane carriageway flyover on Upper Ridge Road.

They will also build two six-lane divided underpasses, one on Shankar Road and the other from Vande Mataram Marg to Faiz Road. "All these schemes mainly focus on improving the traffic situation in the city," said Jagdish Mamgain, chairman of Works Committee of the MCD.

To facilitate pedestrian movement at busy intersections on 80-100 feet wide roads, the MCD also plans to build 20 foot overbridges that will cost the exchequer Rs 17.5 crore.

Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/MCD-plans-nine-projects-to-ease-traffic/Article1-666437.aspx

In BRT’s second avatar, time to change lanes

Wednesday, Feb 23, 2011




Learning from its mistakes in the commissioning of the first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor — between the Ambedkar Nagar and Moolchand — which led to massive traffic congestion issues, the Delhi Transport department has this time drafted out plans for its upcoming BRT project more carefully.

What was initially planned as a single corridor between Karawal Nagar and Shastri Park has now been split into two routes — from Karawal Nagar to Gandhinagar and from Bhajanpura to Mori Gate — covering 15 km.

The Delhi Integrated Multi-modal Transit System (DIMTS) is giving final touches to the plans. The corridor's central axis, from Karawal Nagar to Gandhinagar, will have a two-lane bus route on one side of the road.

This time, existing road space will not be taken up for the project. Instead, an embankment is being constructed along the left side of the road (leading northwards). The Public Works Department is already widening the stretch and an additional 15-m road (7 m for each lane) will be created along the embankment to accommodate the corridor. The two arms, from Bhajanpura to the main road, and from Shastri Park to Mori Gate, will, however, have bus lanes running in the middle of the road.

Ads by Google Yutong BRT Bus  Annual production of 30,000 buses,  Full range of 6-25m buses, Contact!Yutong.comDelhi Coupons  1 ridiculously huge coupon a day.  Get 50-90% Off Delhi's best!www.GROUPON.sosasta.Dotto Trains  Rail and Road Tourist Trains  since 1962.www.dottotrains.com

Around 18 bus stations are being planned on the corridor, which is expected to ferry around 1.43 lakh passengers per day. Frequency of the buses has been planned at 3-5 minutes, which puts the vehicle requirement at 82 buses for both routes put together. The overlapping section between Khajuri Khas and Shastri Park will get a higher frequency of buses as the stretch is expected to have a higher ridership.

"There is no proper public transport system in the area, which has a population of around 7.7 lakh. Studies show 2,600 cycles ply here per hour, and ownership of cycle and two-wheelers have been increasing rapidly. Shared autos are also common here. Keeping these factors in mind, the area has a definite captive ridership for buses," officials said.

The cost of implementing the corridor is estimated to be Rs 20-22 crore per km.

The corridor will have signal prioritisation at the intersections, which means when a bus arrives at a traffic signal on the corridor, it will be allowed passage first when the traffic signal turns green. The system has already been tested at Khajuri Khas and Shastri Park, officials said.

Closed, swanky bus stations are being planned, which will be located on the central platform of the two-lane corridor. Commuters will have to pass through automatic fare collection gates to enter the station. The station will also have gates at the boarding and alighting points, which will open automatically — aided by radio frequency identification detectors — when a bus arrives and aligns itself with the platform.

The proposal also looks at doing away with conductors and having ticket vendors at the bus stations instead.

Meetings on the final details are on with the Environment Pollution Control Authority and the Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning and Engineering) Centre. Following their approval, the proposal will be sent to the Cabinet. The plan was sent to the government's Expenditure Finance Committee about a year ago. Discussions are also on with the Traffic Police.

The bus corridor will be integrated with the Delhi Metro at the Kashmere Gate ISBT and Shastri Park to provide seamless travel.

Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/in-brts-second-avatar-time-to-change-lanes/753487/0

From 2pm today, catch a Metro to Airport

Tuesday, Feb 22, 2011




Four months after missing the deadline, the Reliance-led concessionaire, Delhi Airport Metro Express Pvt Ltd (DAMEPL), will finally open the airport link for the public on 2pm on Wednesday. Passengers though will be getting a no-frills service, officials admitted.

Parking is not available at the New Delhi railway station (the originating station of the link) at present, said an official, adding, "We are also in talks to set up the cab services." That's not all still in the works. Sources said that besides cab services, the concessionaire was also trying to tie up other commercial services like pre-paid and TSR booths as well as check-in counters.

Good news is that along with passenger service DAMEPL will also provide porter services. The concessionaire has tied up with a private agency to deploy "educated" porters. "The porters have been given training in interpersonal skills for easy interaction with passengers," said an official. Refusing to divulge details about the porter rates, officials said that other services like radio cabs were expected to become available "soon".

The concessionaire will also offer a helpline service to commuters: 011-30802080. The helpline, available between the operational hours of 6am and 10pm, will offer information on fares, route, train operations and timings as well as double up as a public grievance system. Passengers can also use the helpline number to arrange for special arrangements like wheelchairs for senior citizens and physically disabled commuters.

According to DAMEPL officials, the frequency of trains on the Airport Express Metro line will initially be kept at 20 minutes. "This will be brought down subsequently, depending on factors like footfall, demand and other feedback," added the official.

DAMEPL also intends to ply four-six trains in the beginning, said sources. The concessionaire will be acquiring more trains from CAF, Spain, later. With a cost of Rs 5,700 crore, the Airport Express Metro line is the first PPP (public-private-partnership) Metro project in the city. The trains, which will run at a speed of 105kmph at present, have LCD screens showing flight information. A part of the compartments has been reserved for luggage.

With a base fare of Rs 80 for travel from New Delhi railway station to IGI airport, the airport link is targeted at those looking for a hassle-free commute to the airport. The concessionaire also hopes to address the need of commuters travelling to and from Dwarka to the heart of the city in a fraction of the time usually taken by other modes of travel. The fare for this service has been kept at Rs 100, which, DAMEPL officials claim, is "reasonable" for the comfort and time offered by the airport link. There are also monthly passes.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/From-2pm-today-catch-a-Metro-to-Airport/articleshow/7549752.cms

Traffic police want more autorickshaws

Tuesday, Feb 22, 2011




After failing to rein in errant autorickshaw drivers, the Delhi traffic police now want to increase the number of three-wheelers plying on city roads to curb gross violation of traffic norm. Recently, the department had demanded lifting of cap on the number of autos allowed to ply on city roads. At
present, 55,000 autorickshaws ply on the Capital's roads. The Supreme Court had fixed the number of autorickshaws at 55,000 in 1997.

The Delhi Traffic Police believe that the sealing now should be lifted, as the city needs more three-wheelers to cater to the needs of commuters. This will not only give a huge relief to commuters, but will also help reduce traffic norm violations by them.

"We have taken up the matter with the transport department and also sought the chief secretary's intervention to approach the Supreme Court to lift the cap immediately," said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic).

He said thousands of city commuters depend on cycle rickshaws and autos for commuting. "When the high court has already quashed sealing on one lakh cycle-rickshaws, the same should be done with autos as well," he said.

He said Mumbai has almost one-tenth of Delhi's road area, but over two lakh autos ply in the commercial capital.

Once the cap on the number of autos is lifted, the trend of overcharging or running without meter can be dealt with ease by the police.

Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Traffic-police-want-more-autorickshaws/Article1-665245.aspx

Mayhem on E-way

Monday, Feb 21, 2011




Even though there was a lot of confusion among commuters on Monday, the traffic police claimed that they have no plans to shelve the new arrangement for the Cyber City area.

On Monday, the first working day since the trials started, motorists coming from Delhi complained that it took more time than usual to cross the toll plaza. According to them, the private concessionaire deliberately delayed the process of issuing toll slips. Further, a great number of vehicles bound for the DLF Phase-III road now have to take a U-turn near the toll plaza, impeding the flow at the gates. "Widening the service road near Ambience Mall would have been a better measure than implementing a new flow plan," Ashish Malik, a commuter offered.

Although the traffic authorities have taken the sensible measure of removing the signals at Shankar Chowk for the traffic flowing in from Udyog Vihar, and blocked the Udyog Vihar-Cyber City crossing to avoid the chaos, the volume of traffic on the slip roads still remain the same. "The problem will remain until you do something to reduce the traffic volume on the service roads," said Bhawani Shankar Tripathy of a local NGO.

Corroborating the claims, joint CP Alok Mittal said: "The reason why there were some jams was because people were not very sure about the turns and kept halting to seek directions," said Mittal.

However, the new traffic plan seemed to have found no takers among commuters on Monday. "It was very confusing for commuters coming from Udyog Vihar since they now have to take a compulsory left turn from Shankar Chowk and a U-turn almost immediately to reach Cyber City and IFFCO Chowk. The signage indicating this should be ideally on the right side and not on the left as it is in this case. Also, since the Cyber City stretch has been made one-way now, the existing median should be removed in order to facilitate direct access to various offices located in Infinity Tower," said Rajesh Kumar, who works there. The authorities, however, said that the median will be removed in the coming days and more signages will be put up.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/Morning-Mayhem/articleshow/7542413.cms

Metro to reach Ghaziabad by June

Monday, Feb 21, 2011




The Delhi Metro will finally be reaching Ghaziabad this June. With civil construction work on the 2.57km stretch from Anand Vihar ISBT to Vaishali already completed, sources in the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said that track laying and other finishing work was under way. Said a DMRC spokesperson, "Currently, track laying and finishing works of the two Metro stations on the corridor - Kaushambi and Vaishali - are in progress. The line is expected to become operational from June." This stretch will be an extension of line 4 (Yamuna Bank-Anand Vihar ISBT) of the Delhi Metro network.

The extension of Delhi Metro into Ghaziabad comes after the Metro was extended to Noida in 2009 and to Gurgaon last year. DMRC is anticipating the ridership of line 4 to leap by 40,000 once the extension becomes operational. At present, the Yamuna Bank-Anand Vihar line ferries 90,000 commuters, making it one of the more popular lines on the network. The two Metro stations on this elevated corridor are Kaushambi and Vaishali. With the opening of this stretch, the total length of line 4 will increase to 8.74km.

Said the DMRC spokesperson, "The extension of line 4 into neighbouring Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh is expected to benefit commuters from residential areas like Kaushambi and Vaishali. The daily commuters from the main Ghaziabad city who, at present, travel to Anand Vihar ISBT to board the Metro to their workplaces will also benefit." That's not all. The Metro corridor will also cater to the Sahibabad Industrial area as well as the offices of numerous private sector majors such as Dabur, said DMRC officials. Also, shoppers visiting the nearby shopping malls in the area will also be able to use the Metro services.

Both the Vaishali and Kaushambi Metro stations will have parking facilities. While Vaishali station's parking will accommodate about 250 cars, the parking space at Kaushambi will accommodate about a hundred cars. The DMRC is also constructing foot overbridges at the Kaushambi and Vaishali Metro stations to provide connectivity with the Sahibabad Industrial Area.

The extension will add to the Dwarka sector 21-Anand Vihar ISBT corridor, which is one of the most used lines on the Delhi Metro network. The network, which currently covers over 165km, ferries over 16 lakh passengers daily through over 2,500 trips, say officials. Next in line for the Delhi Metro network is Faridabad, which is scheduled to be connected in phase III of the network.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Metro-to-reach-Ghaziabad-by-June/articleshow/7535642.cms

Kondli-Rohini corridor may have mono rail

Sunday, Feb 20, 2011




The Delhi government is again exploring the possibility of monorail transport to lessen traffic congestion. Delhi government chief secretary, Rakesh Mehta, has asked the transport department to do a fresh feasibility study of the project. Said Mehta, "Once the feasibility and viability study is completed, an investment decision will be taken based on it. A detailed project report (DPR) could then be undertaken."

The re-look at the monorail project comes after the RITES study on traffic problems in the city suggested the monorail in congested areas or places with severe right of way (ROW) constraints. Said a senior transport department official, "The study has suggested three corridors but we will be looking to undertake the feasibility study on only the Kondli-Rohini corridor." The reason for opting for this corridor, said the official, was the presence of the Metro in phase III in the other two corridors. Added the official, "The DPR should be undertaken in another two-three months." The corridor is expected to be 40km long and will be going through Delhi Gate, though the alignment will not be touching Daryaganj or the Red Fort area. According to sources in the department, the alignment will instead head towards Rohini after Delhi Gate via Kamla Market.

Mehta said: "A number of factors will be taken into account before we take a call on the monorail project. While studies show that it will be 30% less expensive than the Metro, the passenger-carrying capacity is also half of that of the Metro. But it's a better option for congested areas." Interestingly, the suggestion for the monorail has been shot down due to its high cost by both the DMRC and those lobbying for the integrated transport corridor (high capacity bus or BRT). Mehta admitted that a significant number of members of the special task force (transport), which has been specifically set up to look at transport alternatives, is against the monorail project. "But the government wants to do an independent feasibility study before taking any decision," said Mehta.

The differences between the monorail and Metro are significant, and not just cost-wise. While on the Metro 30,000 passengers per hour can travel one way, on the monorail the capacity is just 15,000. Also, the speed is only 20-30kmph on the monorail while it is 25-40kmph on the Metro. However, one advantage that monorail has over the Metro is that the Metro needs at least a 30-40m wide road for construction, while for the monorail, only 15-25m wide roads are needed. But with high costs involved — sources say the Kondli-Rohini corridor has been estimated at over Rs 8,000 crore — the government will need to look at alternate financial models to undertake the project, if it is accepted. Said an official, "The funding will have to be generated through PPP (public private partnership) or BOT (build operate transfer)."

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Kondli-Rohini-corridor-may-have-mono-rail/articleshow/7531258.cms

Cluster bus again delayed

Saturday, Feb 19, 2011




Delayed by months, the launch of the much-hyped first bus cluster may get delayed even further. This time, the delay, say officials, is because of internal issues with the cluster owners. "The two set of owners have gone to court over internal issues while we are hoping this will not delay matters too long, the cluster won't be launched before mid-March," said a senior transport department official.

The latest delay comes after a long list of delays - in acquiring buses, conductors and even parking space. The first cluster was scheduled to be launched in December, which was then rescheduled to January and thereafter February. These orange and purple buses - denoting AC and non-AC low floor travel, were supposed to start with 50 buses on 32 routes in south Delhi. Ultimately, the cluster will have 230 buses.

The first cluster was awarded to a concessionaire consisting of six-seven former Blueline operators and an investor. The legal entity, which was divided into 51% stake for the Blueline operators and 49% for the investor, is known as Star Bus Service Pvt Ltd. Sources in the department said issues over stakes had prompted the stakeholders to approach the court. When contacted, Shiv Kumar, one of the Blueline operators, admitted that the matter had gone to court, but he refused to comment as it was subjudice.

Incidentally, the conductors are yet to be hired for the cluster. The transport department had outsourced the hiring of conductors or support and fare collection staff to Delhi Integrated Multi-modal Transit System (DIMTS), which is finally hiring the staff now. These conductors will thereafter have to undergo training before they are put on the job, added transport department officials.

"The cluster should be launched by mid-March definitely," added the official optimistically. The cluster buses are set to be parked in the DTC Millennium Depot, which is also not ready. DIMTS officials claim that both the support staff as well as the parking bay in the Millennium Depot will be ready "in time". The buses, said Kumar, have been acquired and are awaiting deployment.

The delay in the launch of the cluster service comes in the wake of the transport department scrambling to get the corporatization scheme off the ground. Delhi's transport minister, Arvinder Singh, has been consistently claiming that the cluster would be launched "soon", even as more than 800 Blueline buses went off the roads in January.

As per the agreement between the transport department and the Star Bus Service, which owns the first bus cluster, the company will provide the buses and the drivers whereas the government will deploy its own conductors, hired by DIMTS. The first cluster which starts with 50 low-floor buses will run on 32 routes in south Delhi, including Ambedkar Nagar, Jal Vihar, Mehrauli, GK II, Okhla Enclave, Mori Gate, Arya Samaj road, Anand Parbat, Vasant Vihar, Vasant Kunj and several other areas.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Cluster-bus-again-delayed/articleshow/7523742.cms

First college of traffic management opens

Thursday, Feb 17, 2011




What can bring in  discipline in road usage in the NCR and bring down rate of road fatalities—proper education or harsh penalty? If the head of the AIIMS Trauma Centre Dr Mahesh Mishra is to be believed, Delhi can register a steep decline in road fatalities only by a manifold rise in penalty and putting road signages scientifically.

"Awareness or education can hardly bring in any major relief. Despite statutory warnings on cigarette packs, people do not stop smoking. Unless

they feel the pinch of the fine, road accidents cannot be reduced," said Mishra in the inaugural programme of India's first College of Traffic Management (CTM), an initiative of the Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE) at Faridabad on Wednesday.

The Motor Vehicle Amendment Committee recently has proposed an increase in penalty for traffic law violations by at least three times in the proposed amendment of the Act.

Besides penalty, he talked about scientific road signages. "The rate of road fatalities

has come down in Delhi in 2010 and that seems to have happened due to correct placement of road signs before CWG," he said.

Praveen Sood, IGP and Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic), Bangalore, who was also present at the function, said, "Road fatalities drastically reduced in Bangalore after we got the road signages corrected and educated the road users with the help of IRTE."

It is worth mentioning that the Delhi government, in a meeting last month, has the assigned International Road Federation, an NGO, to identify locations where road signs are wrongly placed. "We will then ask the MCD and PWD to replace them," said chief secretary Rakesh Mehta.

IRF chairman, KK Kapila, said: "We will soon start the process and take photographs of the faulty signages."

Emphasising on the need for road traffic education, Rohit Baluja, president, IRTE said: "Proper education about road safety can bring down accidents on roads drastically. CTM aims to educate people in all the areas of traffic management."

Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/First-college-of-traffic-management-opens/Article1-663329.aspx

Clear south delhi roads of encroachment: High court

Wednesday, Feb 16, 2011




The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought an explanation from civic bodies and the traffic police on steps taken to remove encroachment from footpaths and roads in Jangpura, Bhogal, Pant Nagar and parts of Defence Colony in south Delhi.  The order came after petitions filed by the Jangpura Residents' Welfare Association and Flyover Complex Welfare Association, which contended that earlier orders of the court, in this regard, were not being complied with by authorities.

Lawyer RK Saini, arguing for the petitioners, contended, "The Hospital Road in Jangpura was full of encroachments and 75% of the footpath had been occupied by motor repair workshops, dhabas and illegally-parked vehicles."

He alleged that tent houses and taxi operators were the other main culprits. Saini said encroachments on the road led to massive traffic snarls; pedestrians, too, were forced to walk on the roads.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the traffic police assured the court that necessary steps were being taken to remove encroachments. The traffic police told the court that 'no parking, no stopping' boards will be installed on various roads.

The court has already threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against the traffic police and civic agencies for not taking action against second hand car dealers and automobile workshops on both sides of the Defence Colony flyover.

Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Clear-south-delhi-roads-of-encroachment-High-court/Article1-662860.aspx

Vehicle collapse may cost more

Wednesday, Feb 16, 2011




The Delhi traffic police are mulling a proposition to increase penalty for breakdown of goods vehicles that has become a regular sight on streets. The penalty may go up to Rs10,000. They believe that a steep hike in penalty for breakdowns will force heavy commercial vehicles to refrain from overloading and driving them in unfit condition.

This, in turn, will help ease traffic jams on busy city roads.

Delhi traffic police are now drafting a proposal, which will be presented to lieutenant governor (L-G) Tejinder Khanna on Thursday, said a senior traffic  police officer.

He said: "We would request the L-G to bring in legislation or amend the  state motor vehicle rule on this soon. We want the penalty to go up to Rs10,000."

At present, traffic police impose penalty of R100 per hour on a vehicle that breaks down on the road.

According to Delhi traffic police sources, a total of 177 heavy commercial vehicles broke down on several busy Delhi roads between February 7 and 13, causing severe traffic congestion.

Of these, 78 breakdowns took place at the southern range that includes NH8, NH 2, Ring Road and Outer ring Road. Delhi police commissioner BK Gupta told HT: "We need a deterrent to control any kind of traffic norm violations. Huge penalty is the only answer to the traffic problems and congestion."

Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic), said: "Delhi cannot afford major breakdown of vehicles on busy city roads. About a fortnight ago, breakdown of a heavy commercial vehicle on NH8 caused traffic jam for at least six hours."

Joy Upadhyay, a resident of Ghaziabad said: "A few days ago I had to miss my flight due to breakdown of a vehicle on Ashram flyover. On my way to  Indira Gandhi Airport in the early morning, I was caught in a massive traffic jam due to breakdown of a vehicle. By the time I could reach the airport, the flight had taken off."

Traffic jams due to dislocation of heavy vehicles, especially goods carrying trucks have become a daily affair here. On Tuesday morning, traffic movement got affected badly for over two hours from Andheria More towards Gurgaon due to breakdown of a truck near Mandi Cut.

Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Vehicle-collapse-may-cost-more/Article1-662856.aspx

No cap on number, registration of vehicle, puller mandatory: draft law

Tuesday, Feb 15, 2011




There will be no cap on the number of cycle-rickshaws plying on the Capital's roads, but pullers will have to register themselves to obtain an identity card to work, a government task force has proposed as part of an upcoming law.

After months of debate over the number of rickshaws that should be allowed in the city, a 12-member task force appointed by the High Court and headed by Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta has decided on unrestricted growth. "We have approved a final draft of the proposed law. We'll put it up for the High Court's approval soon," said Mehta.

The draft allows a person to operate multiple cycle-rickshaws after getting the vehicles registered, a provision the Delhi Traffic Police opposed rigorously on the ground that it would lead to road congestion. Existing laws allow only 99,000 cycle-rickshaws to ply in the city. But Delhi has up to eight lakh rickshaws, according to various estimates, with just one out of every eight plying legally.

"Cycle-rickshaws and other non-motorised vehicles shall be registered by an appropriate authority in a locality where the vehicle owner has his residence or place of business," states the draft, a copy of which is with Newsline.

The Bill proposes the formation of a Non-motorised vehicles Use Promotion Authority, or NUPA, to enforce the new law. It will be headed by Mehta and will have bureaucrats and civil society representatives as members. It will have to meet at least four times a year to decide on policy and review implementation.

With the proposed legislation requiring pullers to register themselves, Mehta said they would need to learn basic traffic rules.

Though the proposed legislation bans unregistered cycle-rickshaws from plying, it does away with the current norm of authorities impounding rickshaws that flout the existing rules.

"In case a rickshaw-puller is caught flouting rules or a rickshaw is found to be unregistered, authorities will have to release the vehicle once the defaulter pays the prescribed fine," a task force member said.

The draft also makes dedicated lanes on all roads the right of operators of non-motorised vehicles. "NUPA will ensure that local bodies provide equitable access of city roads for non-motorised vehicles, and create segregated tracks on arterial, sub-arterial and local level roads in urban extensions, as mandated by the Masterplan 2021," the draft states.

Non-motorised vehicles in Delhi are currently regulated by the Delhi Municipal Corporation (cycle-rickshaw) bye-laws, 1960, and the Delhi Municipal Corporation (Thelas) bye-laws, 1960.

Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/no-cap-on-number-registration-of-vehicle-puller-mandatory-draft-law/750002/0

No staff, so cluster bus service fails to roll out

Sunday, Feb 13, 2011




The Delhi government's much-hyped corporatization of buses refuses to take off. After delays over procurement of buses, now the absence of conductors for the fleet seems to have stuck the launch. Officials in the transport department said the fare collection staff – the conductors — were to be hired by the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) along with providing the parking space for the first cluster. Neither has been made available yet.

Admitted a senior DIMTS official, "The tender was floated last week for hiring a firm that will provide the manpower for fare collection. The RFP will be decided by February 15 and it will take about a week to 10 days before the manpower is ready to be deployed." Incidentally, the parking space, including the service area, in the Millennium Park Depot which will be used by the first cluster service is still under construction. Sources said the work is expected to get over in another week's time. Added a senior transport official, "The cluster, which will start on south Delhi routes, will now be launched by this month's end, though it could get delayed to March."

The delay in the launch of the cluster service comes in the wake of the transport department scrambling to get the corporatization scheme off the ground. Delhi's transport minister, Arvinder Singh, has been consistently claiming the cluster would be launched "soon", even as more than 800 Blueline buses went off the roads. The first cluster was supposed to have been launched in January, which was thereafter delayed to first week of February.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/No-staff-so-cluster-bus-service-fails-to-roll-out/articleshow/7483686.cms

Swanky ISBT to make bus ride comfy

Wednesday, Feb 09, 2011




An airconditioned waiting lounge, a food court, glass lifts, a three-level underground parking lot for private cars and buses, a hotel to cater to visitors, a smooth integration with the neighbouring Metro station and a dedicated city bus network (DTC depot) - as the first stage of the renovation of the Maharana Pratap ISBT at Kashmere Gate nears completion, plans for the second stage are already under way. The entire project costs Rs 125 crore.

The good news is that phase I of the renovation is ready for completion by July-August this year. Said Ajay Pal Singh, VP (engineering) of the Delhi Integrated Multi-modal Transport System (DIMTS), "The first stage of the renovation is basically an upgrade of the ISBT, where we've segregated the arrival and departure blocks with a waiting area for commuters. We are adding a food court, glass lifts and escalators in the waiting lounge." According to Singh, the connectivity between the main road and the ISBT will be further bolstered with a continuous FOB for conflict-free entry into the ISBT. This FOB will thereafter, in phase II of the renovation project, connect to the Metro station in Kashmere Gate.

Connectivity, in fact, could be the buzzword for the renovated ISBT, as DIMTS has proposed a dedicated area for auto and taxi stands in the complex, plus an increased bus bay capacity. Later, in phase II, the underground expansion of the ISBT - down three levels - will have a dedicated parking space for over 300 cars and 800 two-wheelers besides connectivity to a neighbouring city bus stand, that is, a DTC depot.

The first phase, meanwhile, will see structural strengthening/retrofitting of the existing building against earthquakes. More importantly, there will be complete waterproofing of the departure, arrival and link/waiting blocks. Added Singh, "We are going in for improvement of the interior to give it an international look."

As part of this, basic facilities like toilets are being upgraded, while for the first time, the ISBT will have a sewage treatment plan (STP) as well as rainwater harvesting system. In the waiting lounge, a food court and restaurants will be given space alongside the ticket counter, which will be positioned right at the entry. Prominent signage, public information system, public seating as well as eco-friendly LED lighting are some other features that you will get to see by July-August this year.

That's not all. Enhanced security is a major part of the renovation, say DIMTS officials. "We have added a number of security features like CCTV and central surveillance. Also, boom barriers, metal detectors, an access control system for buses have also been introduced," said Singh. Display boards, LCD, and an updated firefighting system have also been installed.

Phase II of the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, will expand the ISBT underground. Three basements are to come up, along with a hotel with a capacity for over 150 rooms opposite the entry point to the ISBT. Officials say the hotel will be a revenue generating exercise for the transport department of the Delhi government, which manages the ISBTs.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Swanky-ISBT-to-make-bus-ride-comfy/articleshow/7457438.cms

Rs 1 lakh extra for second car

Wednesday, Feb 09, 2011




If the findings of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) are to be believed, the city is fast heading towards chaos.

Road block: A multi-level parking facility is coming up at Connaught Place to address parking woes in the heart of the city. File pic

According to a recent presentation by the MCD before the Special Task Force formed to solve the transportation woes of Delhiites, 9-10 per cent of the geographical area in the Capital is needed just for parking vehicles. The basis of MCD's report are transport department figures of 2008 when the city had 54 lakh registered vehicles. In the past two years, the number has crossed 60 lakh.

MCD has proposed that the city be divided into different zones, congestion charges be introduced, the rule of one family one car be enforced and if a car owner buys a second car, the owner should be charged a fee of Rs 1 lakh per car and underground parking in places like parks, race course and stadiums be introduced.

The MCD report also blamed incidents of road rage, stress among Delhiities, late response in Emergencies on congestion. On an average three different car spaces are needed per car in the city, as a result, the current fleet occupies nearly 9-10 per cent of Delhi's geographic area. Delhi has only 11.5 per cent of forest area. The report says congestion and heavy traffic results in the loss of fuel worth Rs 1,000 million annually. "Daily registration of cars (as on 2005) generates demand for 2.5 million sqm -- roughly equivalent (to the size) of 310 international football fields," stated report.

Solution!
The report suggests large public spaces such as parks, race course, playgrounds, stadia and under-utilised public amenities and land at select localities can be utilised for off-street parking through use of basements. There should be a cap on the number of vehicles that can ply in the city. Vehicular registration should be discouraged through higher registration fees (taxes). This can be done by a mandatory rule of one car per household. An upper cap of one car per household should be stipulated and any additional car could be charged a one-time fee of about Rs 1,00,000 per car and higher municipal tax in terms of 10 per cent per year of the assessed tax, advocated the civic body. Some of the suggestions among these were made last year in a RITES report.

Different pricing
The report says, entire Delhi be divided into zones:

Zone A: Would include the central business areas and NDMC area, where short-term parking on hourly basis will be provided between 9 am and 9 pm with high charges that would increase with every hour of parking. These areas will be provided with Automatic Mechanical Parking (AMPs) and private parking lots. Beyond these timings, the parking fees could be charged at a lower rate for longer duration of time.

Zone B: The area outside NDMC but within the Ring Road. In these areas a combination of AMPs and Carbon Metered Parking (CMP which will check fuel emission and decide on parking rebate at the time of entry at the parking lot) can be provided at selected interchanges, especially at the bus terminus, DMRC stations and other identified locations close to public transport corridors. Parking in these areas will also be on short-term basis but at a slightly lower tariff as compared to Zone A.

Zone C: Would cover the area falling between Ring Road and Outer Ring Road. These areas are little distant from the epicentre of the city, hence the travel needs are different than in Zone A and B. In these areas a combination of AMP and CMP can be provided at selected interchanges, especially at the bus terminus, DMRC stations, BRT stops and other identified locations close to public transport corridors. These will be long term parking lots of 8 to 12 hour duration at a nominal tariff to encourage the vehicle owners to park at these facilities and avail the public transport system.

Zone D: Will include the areas outside the Outer Ring Road. Large CMP may be provided at the locations adjoining the public transport stations of Metro, Monorail / LRT, BRT, Bus Terminus, etc. These will be long term parking lots of 8 to 12 hour duration at a nominal tariff to encourage the vehicle owners to park at these facilities and take the public transport system.

The report also says while finalising the parking charges, congestion factor should be kept in mind. Parts of the city can be coded and categorised broadly in three categories -non-congested, congested, very congested. "For example, Chanakyapuri may have high parking charges but no congestion charges as the area may not be congested. Similarly, for example Connaught Place may have high parking charges and also high congestion charges," states the report.

Capital chaos
* The road space is shared by at least 30 different types of vehicles, each with different static and dynamic characteristics.
* Delhi has the highest number of vehicles among all major cities in India.
* A total of 1087 vehicles are registered every day, of which 1021 are personal vehicles. Nearly 3,65,000 vehicles are registered annually.
*  Public transport ridership has dropped from 60 per cent to 41 per cent in the past eight years.
* Private vehicles are left parked 95 per cent of the time while public modes of transport spend more time on road.
* Around 45 million sq.m. of land is needed for parking of already registered vehicles.
* The city needs a space equivalent to 310 international football fields to accommodate the number of cars which are registered in a single day.
* The working population of the National Capital Region (NCR) is estimated at 70 lakh.
* Traffic congestion causes an overall loss of Rs 840 crores per month.
* On an average 6 people die everyday in road accidents in Delhi.

What is STF?
The Delhi government has constituted a Special Task Force for the city following a Delhi High Court order. Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta (left) is chairman of the STF. The STF has 14 members including the various agency heads, experts from transport and urban planning. It was constituted in March, 2010. Its primary work is to explore all issues related to road traffic in Delhi with a view to minimise congestion, reduce pollution and increase mobility. Any proposal which the government, the MCD or any other local authority or agencies wishes to implement is first put before the STF.

MCD: we are toothless
MCD in its report has admitted that it is a toothless tiger. As per the Motor Vehicle Act, the responsibility to penalise or cancel the permission for errant parking operators or enforce its guidelines rest with the Delhi Traffic Police and MCD at best can lodge an FIR against the parking operator. The Delhi Traffic police is itself so overburdened that it is not possible for them to keep check or control on parking lots, hence leading to mismanagement or over-exploitation of the parking created. Above all no scientific data or study or expertise is available with the MCD for creating new parking spaces and ensure the guidelines or directions are followed.

Punishment for parking
Proposed minimum parking fee in CP and other central business district areas which falls under Zone A could be Rs 20 for two-wheelers and Rs 50 for cars for the first two hours.  In zone B areas it could be Rs 15 for two-wheelers and Rs 30 for cars. In zone C it could be Rs 10 for two-wheelers and Rs 20 for cars. And in zone D it could be Rs 5 for two-wheelers and Rs 10 for cars. The price will increase marginally after two hours and after four hours of parking it will increase on hourly basis.

No street-fighting
In residential areas, MCD wants that car owners do not use the roads for long-stay parking. Building norms will be enforced to promote parking in residential areas. The report says parking in private off-street locations will be promoted through necessary amendments to the building bye laws. "Option of providing exemption from payment of property tax will be explored to promote private parking lots. By providing additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) steps will be taken to create more parking spaces in residential areas. Parking of both owners as well as visitors on streets near flats will be prohibited and enforced," it added.

Beijing blues
The Beijing administration has doubled the public parking fees in 13 of Beijing's busiest areas from their current prices. The new pricing will start from April 2011. According to reports, the 13 areas include Wangfujing, the Lufthansa Centre and Beijing Railway Station. The current parking fee of 2.5 yuan for 30 minutes will be increased to 5 yuan for half an hour within the first hour, and 15 yuan per hour afterwards. The authorities said the purpose of the increase is to adjust traffic volumes through different pricing levels, reduce traffic congestion in busy areas and encourage citizens to use public transport. Those who work in areas where parking fees will be increased will have to add up to 75 yuan to their daily eight-hour parking fee.

London dreams
The London congestion charge is a fee for motorists travelling within the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ), a traffic area in London. The charge aims to reduce congestion. The zone was introduced in central London on February 17, 2003. Though not the first in UK, it was the largest when introduced, and it remains one of the largest in the world. A payment of £10 is required each day for each vehicle which travels within the zone between 7am and 6pm; a fine of between £60 and £180 is levied for non-payment. From January 4, 2011 several changes were implemented based on public consultation, which included the removal of the Western Extension, a charge increase from GB £8 to GB £10, and the introduction of an automated payment system.

Original news source http://www.mid-day.com/news/2011/feb/090211-News-Delhi-parking-space-tax-Rs-1-lakh-extra-for-new-car.htm

MCD to demolish foot-over-bridge in Daryaganj

Wednesday, Feb 09, 2011




One of the oldest and landmark foot overbridges in the city - the iron bridge at Netaji Subhash Chandra Marg - is soon going to be dismantled.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has asked the Delhi Traffic Police to make alternative arrangements for traffic on this busy route so that the 47-year-old structure can be dismantled.

In a related development, residents of Daryaganj are hopeful that Delhi Metro's plan to extend its Central Secretariat line till Jama Masjid will solve the traffic problem in this area.

"We have decided on the company which will dismantle the bridge. We can't carry out the work during daytime, as the road underneath is one of the busiest roads in town. We have to do the work at night. The bridge is constructed in one piece. There is no support in the middle. So we have to remove the main part of the bridge in one go. We will use two-three cranes to lift the main portions,'' said an MCD official. According to traffic police officials, the decision on traffic diversion will be taken in a day or two.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Marg is one of the main roads leading to Red Fort and the mad rush at Daryaganj simply adds to the traffic. Local traders say that the demolition of this bridge will aggravate the traffic mess on this road. "There are so many schools in New Daryaganj and kids often use this bridge to cross over. If MCD doesn't construct an underpass or subway, then people will have to risk their lives to cross the road. As there is a intersection right after the bridge, traffic never stops here. MCD should find a solution to this problem before dismantling the bridge,'' said Ashok Sahdev, vice-president of Daryaganj Traders' Association.

The bridge is in a dilapidated condition as it is very old. Moreover, it has become a hub for drug peddlers and local goons. "It has served its purpose and is now in a precarious condition. Ever since it was constructed, it has never been used much by people living in this area. As one has to climb too many stairs, locals prefer to cross the road without using the bridge. So many illegal structures (shops) have come up below the bridge which further add to the traffic congestion,'' said 78-year-old Haji Mian Faiyaz-Uddin, who runs a hotel near Jama Masjid.

Earlier, MCD was planning to construct an underpass-cum-subway to ease the traffic congestion on this road. But now with Delhi Metro planning to extend the Central Secretariat line till Jama Masjid, MCD is banking on it to construct a subway. DMRC officials say that if MCD approaches them with a proposal then they will incorporate it in their plan for the Jama Masjid Metro station. "If MCD wants we can construct a subway along with the Metro station. We are right now in the planning stages so we can incorporate such suggestions. We need to work out the technical details,'' said Kumar Keshav, director (projects), DMRC.

Locals too are hopeful that the Metro will solve their traffic woes. The carriageway is very narrow and a good portion of it is encroached by small shops. "People park their vehicles on the road which further adds to the congestion. We have asked traffic police to make Netaji Subhash Chandra Marg one-way so that there is a smooth flow of traffic,'' said Sahdev.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/MCD-to-demolish-foot-over-bridge-in-Daryaganj/articleshow/7455833.cms

Proposal for web-based parking solution

Wednesday, Feb 09, 2011




Greater Kailash Part II and Bhikaji Cama Place are the choice for a pilot project under a proposal for a web-based parking solution to root out the mafia that rules the parking lots in the city. Connaught Place may also be taken up as a pilot project.

Chief minister Sheila Dikshit has constituted a core group under the chairmanship of chief secretary Rakesh Mehta to study the proposal. The Delhi government is considering a web-based parking solution to put an end to control of parking lots by mafia, leakage of revenue and encroachment on non-parking areas in the capital.

A presentation on Information Technology-enabled Parking Management System was made before chief minister Sheila Dikshit in a meeting on the parking issue on Tuesday.

After the presentation, the CM set up a core group. The committee will have on board commissioner (transport), commissioner (MCD), chairman (NDMC), secretary (IT), Jt. CP (traffic), project director (Survey of India) and a representative from National Innovation Council to look into how the proposal can be executed. The core group has been asked to give its report to the CM.

The proposal aims at developing a web-based parking solution, which will eliminate human intervention. It is a broad-based proposal in which payments can be facilitated over mobile phones and it will be possible to track availability of parking space online.

It has been proposed that two pilot projects will be taken up at Bhikaji Cama Place and GK-II. Greater Kailash II has been chosen for the pilot project in the residential category. Bhikaji Cama Place has been chosen as it is a busy official hub. Connaught Place may also be included in the pilot project later as a case study for a commercial hub.

If cleared, the web-based parking solution will be implemented as a pilot project for six months to see the effectiveness and viability of the new system.

According to secretary IT, Delhi government, Savitur Prasad, the proposal aims at providing a scientific solution which ensures transparency.

For instance, using the data on the expanse and profile of the colony available through GIS maps, the web-based solution will make use of information on houses and space available in GK-II. A plan for parking and an assessment of the number of cars in the colony will be made in collaboration with the civic body in charge of the colony, the RWAs and the traffic and Delhi Police. Space for parking will be earmarked and random parking on the roads will be organised for better management. All this will be coordinated through a web-based model to put an end to manipulation by the parking mafia.

In case of a parking area like the one around Bhikaji Cama Place, the parking will be mapped and it will be possible to find out the availability of parking online. The proposal also talks of a provision to allow booking of parking space and even payment of the parking charge over the mobile.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Proposal-for-web-based-parking-solution/articleshow/7455655.cms

More space at High Court parking lot

Tuesday, Feb 08, 2011




Do you work in an office near the Delhi High Court? If yes, this judgement will surely bring you some relief. Space for parking nearly 200 cars will now be available at the parking lot in the court complex for outsiders, a Delhi government official told MiD DAY.



Not only the lawyers of Delhi High Court, but also anyone going to nearby areas would benefit from the automated underground car parking in the court complex.

"Although 85 per cent of the car space would be reserved for lawyers, the rest can be used by visitors. Anyone who goes to various offices in ITO can use the parking space in the court premises," said the official. The parking project has been cleared by the city government on Monday and will cost Rs 182.71 crore as per the revised plan.

"The revision is due to cost escalation and inclusion of the scope of work for five year maintenance," Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit said.

The automated car parking which is to be constructed by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will have six levels to house 1,550 cars. Earlier the construction cost was estimated to be Rs 125 crore and the parking facility was to be made functional by the Commonwealth Games 2010.  However, the deadline was missed. The parking place is to be constructed on an area of around 10,000 sq.m. The ground above the parking lot will be landscaped.

No human assistance
As per the plan, drivers will take a tunnel to drive into the lobby of the multi-level parking lot, where signs will guide them to leave the vehicle in one of 21 slots. On leaving the car, the driver will take the car keys and will automatically be issued a parking ticket. The parking system will assess the size and weight of the vehicle and assign it to a suitable parking slot. An automated system of travellators and special car-lifts will then transport the vehicle to the designated slot.

To retrieve the vehicle, the driver will access the ticket machine at the lobby. On reading the coupon, the computer will automatically identify the slot where it has been parked and transport the car back to the lobby.

85 percent
Of the car space would be reserved for lawyers
Rs 182 crore
Cost of Delhi High Court parking project approved by city government
Rs 125 crore
A previous estimate of the cost

Original news source http://www.mid-day.com/news/2011/feb/080211-News-Delhi-parking-issue-high-court-four-wheelers.htm

Move to stop errant drivers getting licence

Monday, Feb 07, 2011




In what can have wider ramifications for the Motor Vehicles Act, a trial court has summoned five senior government officials to discuss the possibility of evolving a system that can stop erring drivers from securing alternative driving licences from various parts of the country following the cancellation of their original licence.

Motor Accident Claim Tribunal judge Swarna Kanta Sharma sought the personal appearance of the Secretaries of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Delhi government's transport department. Besides them, the court also sought the presence of two DCPs, including traffic. The court asked the officers to explore the possibility of working together with the traffic police department to evolve a mechanism to stop errant drivers from securing multiple licences from various parts of the country after cancellation of their original ones.

Seeking the involvement of UIDAI, the court said, "I believe that if a system is evolved which will have unique identity processing system to have coordination between other states and the state of Delhi, it will help in curbing this menace of drivers using fake driving licences or one person possessing many driving licences." The judge also directed that the copies of her order be sent to various officials and the UIDAI Secretary "for the next date of hearing for filing of their responses and compliance."

The issuance of summons to five senior officials came after the court felt that there were many MACT cases where the menace of errant drivers securing alternative licences has "surfaced and re-surfaced again and again". The court was hearing a case involving a man who continued to drive a Blueline bus even after cancellation of his licence following an accident in 2005. The driver, whose licence was cancelled following an accident, continued to drive the vehicle as the official records of the traffic police showed that his licence was valid.

The defect was detected when the driver was involved in another accident in 2006, which led to the filing of a case by the family of the deceased seeking compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act. The court issued directions to officials against seeking exemptions from personal appearance as the Transport Commissioner and the DCP, Traffic Police, who were asked by the court to appear before it earlier, had sought exemption from personal appearance on some grounds.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Move-to-stop-errant-drivers-getting-licence/articleshow/7447768.cms

Cops crack down on unruly traffic

Monday, Feb 07, 2011




The law is finally taking its right course on Delhi roads. The traffic police are coming down hard on drivers even for minor offences, booking errant motorists under the Motor Vehicles Act.

In January alone, cops suspended 277 licences for drunk driving. At least 289 people were sent to jail in the past one month while 630 cases are facing trial for the same offence. "Compared to 550 challans for drunk driving in January last year, this year the number has shot up by three times to 1,807 challans. In at least five cases, offenders were sent to prison for more than 10 days, while three faced jail terms between six and nine days. Another 18 offenders got jail terms ranging between one and three days,'' said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic).

This latest effort of the traffic police has been a success. "Compared to 26 fatal accidents involving cars in January 2010, only 19 cases involving cars were reported in January 2011. The total number of accidents has also seen a 10% decrease from 161 in January 2010 to 147 in January 2011," Garg said.

The number of prosecution of motorist for using tinted glass has also increased exponentially, up from 997 in January last year to 14,115 in January this year. There has also been a two-and-a-half-times increase in the number of prosecutions for defective number plates. The number has risen to 27,188 this year from 11,492 last year.

Prosecution for improper parking has also gone up. While 10,017 challans were issued in January last year, 11,986 challans were issued in January this year. A total of 33,943 motorcycles were checked in the same period while 76 have been impounded.

The traffic police claimed for the 27{+t}{+h} consecutive week there has been a fall in fatal accidents. However, in the case of cars the decline is marginal. "Last year, we had considerable success in checking road accidents as we had enforced strict lane driving and had even sent several such violators to jail. This helped in bringing down the number of fatal accidents by 10% from that of 2009. We now hope to cut down the number of fatal accidents even more,'' said Garg.

The joint commissioner of police said owners of cars with illegal red beacons were also prosecuted. "While there were no prosecution under this head last year, this year we have issued challans against 73 private vehicles belonging to MPs, MLAs, political leaders and even policemen for using red beacons illegally,'' said Garg.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Cops-crack-down-on-unruly-traffic/articleshow/7447395.cms

Delhi Traffic Police chief upset with VIP law breakers

Monday, Feb 07, 2011




Miffed by traffic violations by VIP vehicles, Delhi Traffic Police chief Satyendra Garg has taken to the Facebook to highlight some judges and bureaucrats brazenly break traffic rules.

Despite facing pressures from VIPs who seemingly do not feel guilty violating traffic laws, the joint commissioner of police has made it clear that no one is above the law.

Writing in Facebook Sunday, Garg brought to the notice of fellow citizens that he saw five cars, two with red beacons, parked in a no-parking zone area in Connaught Place -- the capital's shopping hub.

'How do you handle this situation... There is a traffic police motorcycle with two officials,' an exaxperated Garg posted.

'You ask (the) traffic officials why they were not prosecuting (the) illegally parked vehicles. He comes to you and tells softly that one of the vehicle is (that) of a high court judge whose wife had come for shopping, the other red beacon vehicle (is) of a director level officer of home ministry and the three others were Mercedes and other brands.

'You have to respond to (the) Head Constable who is feeling intimidated. I want people to respond to this query of Head Constable,' he wrote.

In no time came 122 responses. Most people insisted that the policeman must prosecute the violators.

One of them, Ajaya Chand, said: 'If the senior officers of Delhi Police and their bosses will support the Head Constable, then and only then will the problem be solved.

'Today, the Head Constable is more than afraid of losing his job or (getting) a reprimand if he actually does his job,' Ajaya Chand said, and cited how the British Home Secretary's official driver was fined for speeding.

Garg then presented another post: 'Another situation. A judicial magistrate visits one area of the city in a private car, commits traffic offence, checked by traffic officials, feels offended.

'Goes back to his court, next day rings up his counterpart to 'handle' the concerned traffic officials.

'These officials are called by area traffic magistrate, forced to wait for hours, asked to apologise to the offended magistrate.

'Police take the stand and apology was not given with support from seniors. Magistrate makes situation difficult as he deals with all court challans. How do you handle this,' Garg wants to know.

The public response was swift and universal: everyone wanted the police to be merciless with traffic violators, no matter who they were.

And for good measure, some suggested to Garg to ape Delhi's famed and former traffic police chief Kiran Bedi, pointing out that she was as tough with commoners as she was with VIPs.

Last month, Garg had vowed to pursue a crackdown on drunken driving, tinted glasses and cars with illegal beacon lights.

Original news source http://www.sify.com/news/delhi-traffic-police-chief-upset-with-vip-law-breakers-news-national-lchv4fjfagj.html

Metro or monument: What will Delhi pick?

Monday, Feb 07, 2011




Is the safety of heritage monuments in the Capital more important or expanding the Metro rail network in violation of the stringent rules of the Archeological Survey of India, which protects them?
 
This is the tough call the central and Delhi governments are expected to take when the Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) presents a proposal to build a 7-km underground line running close to many heritage monuments, including the Red Fort.
 
The proposal is to be presented to the Planning Commission by the middle of this month. The extension is being proposed for the underground lines connecting Central Secretariat with Kashmere Gate via Janpath, Mandi House, ITO, Delhi Gate and Red Fort.  "This should be treated as utility work and there should not be any major objections from ASI. Minor modifications can be made but there is hardly any scope to go for major changes in the proposed alignment," said Kumar Keshav, director (projects) of DMRC.

"We tried to keep the line away from major heritage properties wherever possible. But in some places, the line might have gone close to them," he said.

The ASI, however, has a different take on the issue. ASI director (monuments) AK Sinha said: "The entire stretch would be examined to see whether it violates the law."

Extension of this metro line has become the need of the hour for several reasons including decongesting Rajiv Chowk by channelising Noida-bound traffic directly from Central Secretariat through Mandi House and making chaotic Old Delhi areas accessible to people.

Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Metro-or-monument-What-will-Delhi-pick/Article1-659420.aspx

Cops crack down on share autos

Sunday, Feb 06, 2011




The traffic police on Friday cracked down on the nine-seater Gramin Seva autos across the city for violations ranging from diverting from their assigned routes to plying without driving licence to overcrowding, among others. As many as 323 drivers were issued challans while 110 share autos were impounded. In west Delhi alone, 49 autos were impounded. The transport department has chalked out 61 routes on which these autos can ply. In east Delhi, which has a large number of the Gramin Seva autos operating in Laxmi Nagar, Mother Dairy and IP Extension, only three autos were impounded. Officials claimed that the drive was carried out as many share autos are seen on main arterial roads in violation of the directive.

Joint commissioner of police (traffic) Satyendra Garg said, "We will continue with the drive and keep these autos in check. Overcrowding, driving without licence and plying without a permit can prove very dangerous. We have deployed our staff to check any violations."

Senior traffic officials have stressed time and again that share autos are a menace on the road. These are also responsible for slowing down traffic on arterial roads. Drivers are usually fined Rs 500 and owners Rs 1,000 for not carrying a valid licence. Plying without permit invites a fine of Rs 2,000 while overcrowding can cost Rs 100, said the traffic cops.

As a result of the crackdown, the autos fast disappeared from many areas, specially Rohini. Overcrowding came up as the biggest problem with 132 auto drivers being booked for this offence. Forty-eight drivers were booked for plying without a driving licence.

Auto drivers, however, claimed they were only being helpful as this was the only mode of transport for many locals. Gramin Seva has seen many takers in the city but complaints of blocking main roads and holding up traffic by abruptly stopping in the middle of the road are common.

The nine-seater vehicles, of either Mahindra or Tata Magic make, are a common sight in Kalkaji, Govindpuri, Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, BRT corridor and MG Road in south Delhi; and Seelampur, Shakarpur, Mother Dairy Road, IP Extension in east Delhi.

The transport department had charted out specific routes for the share autos, with permits issued strictly against these routes. The 61 routes cater to rural areas where the reach of DTC buses is limited.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Cops-crack-down-on-share-autos/articleshow/7433923.cms

No more fancy number plates

Saturday, Feb 05, 2011




Vehicle owners in Delhi may be in the habit of flaunting a police logo or phrases like 'Government of India', 'MP' and 'MLA' on their vehicle's number plates. Soon, however, the practice will cost them dear. Come February 15, the Delhi traffic police would start treating this as registration certificate violation and levy a fine of Rs 2,000.

However, to begin with, the traffic police wants to deal with violators in Delhi Police, who often use its blue-and-red logo on number plates, in an attempt to escape traffic checks, even during violation of norms.

Delhi traffic police have received reports about men in khaki and others flouting the Motor Vehicle Act by using the police logo or designation on number plates.

Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic) said, "On Monday, after a meeting with police commissioner BK Gupta, I have written to our men in all districts and units to come down heavily on police two-wheelers and cars and challan those that have number plates fitted with the police logo or with 'Delhi Police' or 'DP' written on it."

The drive will begin on February 15 across Delhi.

"We have given them about a fortnight to remove such stickers or letters," he added.

According to police sources, politicians, central and state government officers, mediapersons, non-governmental organisations who use logos or stickers on registration number plates will also be covered later.

"So far, we challanned such violators Rs 100, that was meant for using defective number plates. But merely a Rs 100 fine did not make any difference," said the officer.

"We will now levy a fine of Rs 2,000," the officer added.

Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/No-more-fancy-number-plates/Article1-658712.aspx

Now Hi-Tech traffic control centre and online driving licence in Delhi

Friday, Feb 04, 2011




The Capital on Friday got a state-of-the-art operations control centre (OCC) that will ensure a more efficient traffic management in future. Chief minister Sheila Dikshit inaugurated the facility located at the ISBT building at Kashmere Gate.

The government has claimed to have set up a new hi- tech road transport management system for smoother traffic flow. Officials said the integration of various transportation technologies such as the intelligent signaling system, automatic vehicle location system and the automatic fare collection system will help achieve that. After the implementation, all these technical projects would be monitored at the new OCC. The centre receives real- time video feeds from on- site CCTV cameras to enable monitoring of traffic flow on the BRT corridor. Officials said it would also, if needed, remotely take over the actual operation of the traffic signals from the centre itself.

The CM said the state- of- the- art integrating facility houses a very sophisticated monitoring and control system.

In coming time, the OCC will allow monitoring of movement of buses to ensure their adherence to performance benchmarks, speed limits, routes, bus stops and punctuality.

The CM also inaugurated a new smart card- based driving licence system in the city and then got her driving licence renewed at the facility. Under the system the applicant's identity is verified by matching the fingerprint before he/ she is allowed to sit for the learner licence test.

The DIMTS is assisting the transport department in the design, development, installation, operation and management of the smart card- based PSV badges. These smart cards are embedded with a tamper- proof electronic chip.

Original news source http://www.newsdowntown.com/2011/02/now-hi-tech-traffic-control-centre-and.html

Police logo on pvt vehicle? Report the crime to cops

Friday, Feb 04, 2011




Don't let the Delhi Police logo bother you form now onwards if it is on a private vehicle. Note down the vehicle's licence plate number and report it to the traffic police. In a move to curb the misdeeds of Delhi Police officers on the roads, the Delhi Traffic Police have issued a circular to all the districts informing them that "If any private vehicle - bike or car - has a registration number plate with the Delhi Police logo or Delhi Police written on it, then person concerned will be prosecuted". The officers will have to pay Rs 2,000 fine for the offence starting from February 15.

"We have been getting a lot of complaints that several police officers have the logo or 'DP' written on the number plates of their private vehicles. They are wrong in thinking that they will be barred from prosecution. We will prosecute them under the Motor Vehicles Act," said Satyendra Garg, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic).

The officers, meanwhile, have already started removing the logos from their vehicles. An officer said that "a large number of traffic challans every year pertain to defective number plates. According to section 39 of the MV Act, no one can put an extraneous mark on the number plates of private vehicles. The number plate should not be of distinct size and distinct character".

Officials said that over 20 lakh people are prosecuted for different violations in Delhi every year and registration number plate has a sizeable share in the violations. "Police officers have been escaping prosecution thus far on the pretext of identity proof, but no one can be above the law," said the officer.

"According to the Motor Vehicles Act, the size of registration plate should be 200X100 mm for two/three-wheelers and 540X200 mm or 500X120 mm for cars. The letters in the registration mark should be in English and numerals in Arabic," the officer added. For transport vehicles, the writing should be in black on a yellow background, and for others, black on a white background. Further, the rear plate must have the number in two lines, while the one in front can show it in a single line.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Police-logo-on-pvt-vehicle-Report-the-crime-to-cops/articleshow/7420804.cms

Give parking space to trucks and buses

Thursday, Feb 03, 2011




You may soon find Delhi's parking lots open round the clock. Delhi government on Tuesday asked Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to provide space to trucks and buses in its parking lots, which are otherwise parked along narrow roads on residential colonies resulting in traffic chaos.

Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta said MCD has been asked to accommodate such tempos and buses in its parking lots, which remain vacant during the night.  The direction came in response to the complaint of the traffic police that illegally parked commercial vehicles often cause traffic chaos on Delhi's streets.

According to a senior traffic police officer, illegally parked vehicles along narrow colony roads not only cause traffic jams but also result in accidents sometimes.  The officer said that these vehicles are generally parked in unattended and unlit areas and are difficult to be spotted at nights. While  the  problem  exists  in  almost  all over Delhi, the traffic police officer  especially  pointed  out  Karol  Bagh, Dev Nagar and Anand Parbat, which are hub of tourist buses.

"The commercial vehicles need a place to park only at nights. This is the time when MCD's parking lots are generally vacant. Such an arrangement would solve traffic police's problem and would also mean more money to parking contractors," Mehta said.

A senior MCD official said they would work out a concrete plan in this regard soon and present it to the traffic police and Delhi government soon.

The traffic police also sought government's intervention to ensure continuous electricity supply to traffic signals at major intersection in the Capital. Traffic police argued that electricity cut leads to traffic signal failure and cause traffic snarls.  They argued that some of these intersections are very critical and dysfunctional traffic signals spell chaos in no time.

Mehta said the traffic police have been asked to prepare a list of such critical junctions. "I have asked the discoms to provide power supply to these signals from 2-3 different feeder lines. In case of power cut from in one feeder the supply from the other feeder would keep these signals working," Mehta said.

Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Give-parking-space-to-trucks-and-buses/Article1-657797.aspx

A points system for road offences?

Thursday, Feb 03, 2011




Jumping a traffic light or using cellphone or any other communication device that distract the attention of drivers could attract a fine of Rs 1,000 each, as per the recommendation made by the committee set up by the highways ministry.

The panel, which reviewed the existing Motor Vehicles Act, has recommended incorporation of stringent punitive provisions and heavy fine against traffic rule violators.

"The ministry will review the recommendations and take a decision soon as to whether we need a new Motor Vehicles Act," transport minister C P Joshi said after a copy of the report was submitted to him on Wednesday.

In its report, the committee -- headed by former road transport secretary S Sunder -- has suggested overhauling the existing Act to lessen road accidents.

It has mooted penalty and imprisonment for drink driving, which could be between six-month jail term and Rs 2,000 fine and a year in prison and Rs 10,000 fine, based on the level of alcohol found in bloodstream of drivers.

The committee has recommended point system for cognizable offences, and the driver would lose licence if s/he accumulates 12 points. It has proposed maximum punitive points for rash driving or speeding while in an inebriated state. Such offenders will get three points each per offence, and in the case of reckless driving, offenders would get four points for second and subsequent offences.

"Points awarded for an offence shall remain on record for three years from the date of issue. At any point, if the cumulative total of the point accrued by a driver crosses the limit of 12 points, the driving licence will be suspended for a year. If a driver, whose licence has been suspended, again accumulates 12 points, his licence shall be cancelled for five years,'' the committee has recommended.

The expert group has suggested that no person should use cellphone or any other communication device while driving. "The aim is to ensure that drivers' attention shouldn't get distracted," said Dinesh Mohan, a panel member.

Portability of number plates -- in case of vehicle re-registration in a different state -- has also been suggested. It has been proposed that from 2015 onwards all vehicles should renew their registrations annually.

The report has suggested specific tests and certification for each category of drivers.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Panel-moots-strict-penalty-against-traffic-rule-offenders/articleshow/7414146.cms

Fewer fatal accidents due to tractor impounds: Police

Wednesday, Feb 02, 2011




They had emerged as the newest killers on the capital's streets during the Commonwealth Games, but thanks to stricter regulation and prosecution of heavy vehicles, the Delhi Traffic Police's vehicle impounds have started resembling tractor showrooms. "There was ubiquitous, ceaseless construction
during the Commonwealth Games held in the city last year. As a result, tractors, which were used as carriers of construction material and debris by private contractors, were found to have claimed 41 lives on the city's streets. The corresponding figure for the previous year's fortnight had been just 28," said a senior traffic police officer.

Just three months after the number of people killed by their recklessness saw an increase of as much as 41%, not only has the number of fatal accidents that tractors were involved in dipped from five to two, as many as 246 of them have also been taken off the city's streets.

"As compared to January 2010, the number of accidents has seen a decline of almost 66%. This can only be attributed to the fact that we have impounded as many as 246 of them this month, as compared to just 82 last January," said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic).

The Motor Vehicles Act is clear about the fact that there is no point in allowing the tractor, which is an agricultural vehicle, to ply in an urban setting.

In fact, tractors have claimed as many as 340 lives in the last decade.

Garg said that the steep increase in the number of tractors being sent to impound pits was part of a larger crackdown on errant heavy vehicles plying dangerously on the capital's streets.

"As compared to January 2010, we have already prosecuted 3,000 heavy truck vehicles (HTVs), 4,000 light goods vehicles (LGVs), 1,000 delivery vans and 553 tractors, instead of 271 last year," joint CP Garg said.

According to figures compiled by the Delhi Police, as many as 5,673 heavy vehicles have been impounded as compared to 4,209 in January 2010.

"Most of these vehicles have been prosecuted for Supreme Court violations, especially for offences such as their drivers not having proper licences," Garg said. "These prosecutions have made this fortnight the 26th consecutive one during which fatal road accidents have been found to be decreasing," Garg added.

Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Fewer-fatal-accidents-due-to-tractor-impounds-Police/Article1-657780.aspx

Reflective tapes must on trucks

Wednesday, Feb 02, 2011




Soon, all trucks that pass through Delhi will be fitted with reflective tapes. The Delhi government, in a recent policy-level meeting, has ordered the transport department and the traffic police to ensure that no truck is left out. According to Rakesh Mehta, chief secretary, "Use of reflective tapes in trucks would help reduce accidents and risk of collisions, as they would give better visibility to trucks on highways."

Delhi registered an alarming number of fatal accidents caused by trucks last year. According to traffic department records, out of 2,104 road accidents, 257 were caused by trucks. The accidents resulted in the loss of 262 lives.

"When trucks break down during night hours on the highway these often lead to fatal accidents. Use of reflective tapes on trucks will definitely help reduce accidents as other road users could see them from a distance.

According to a recent study conducted by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Affairs, users of retro reflective tapes on trucks can reduce accidents by more than 30 % at night.

"Use of reflective tapes should be made mandatory on cars, light commercial vehicles and motorcycles," said KK Kapila, chairman, International Road Federation, who was also present at the policy-level meeting, where the decision about the reflective tapes was taken.

"During checks at the border, we found that trucks are not fitted with such tapes and so, henceforth, tapes will be fixed onto trucks at the border itself," said a senior officer of the transport department.

Delhi traffic police would soon initiate extensive checks at all points on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh and Delhi-Haryana border to ensure the same.

"I'm going to issue an order to our men posted on the border to ensure that all trucks are thoroughly checked and those not fitted with reflective tapes are prosecuted," said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic).

"During the drive, traffic policemen will also check other aspect of violations by trucks, including drunken driving, violation of registration certificates and permits and violation of Supreme Court guidelines," Garg added.

Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Reflective-tapes-must-on-trucks/Article1-657783.aspx

CM opens 2 flyovers for east Delhi residents

Wednesday, Feb 02, 2011




Commuters travelling between Delhi and Ghaziabad will now have a smooth ride as chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday inaugurated two flyovers - at Anand Vihar and G T Road. These projects will help reduce traffic jams at the border and reduce travel time between the two cities. A railway overbridge/underbridge was also inaugurated at Nand Nagri.

Dikshit said that with the commissioning of these two flyovers she hoped that traffic woes of east Delhi residents "will be part of history". She also announced that more such projects will soon come up in various parts of Delhi.

"There is a constant need in Delhi for developing better road network system and upgrade of the existing ones for catering to the ever-increasing traffic," she said. The grade separator at Anand Vihar ISBT crossing on road number 56 has been constructed at a cost of Rs 200 crore with 690-m long, six-lane dual carriages. It also has three foot-overbridges. "To ensure safe pedestrian movement on this stretch, signalized pedestrian crossings will also come up to prevent any accidents. This is being done as the FOBs are not ready for use as yet,'' said a PWD official. "To facilitate free left turn, existing bridges over the nullah at the T-junction of road number 56-57, 56-58A and 56-71 have been widened,'' said a PWD official.

According to PWD, G T Road at Apsara Border caters to large volume of traffic from the ISBT to Uttar Pradesh and vice-versa. "The grade separator commissioned at a cost of Rs 227 crore has been constructed with composite steel with pre-fabricated steel girder. This stretch has two underpasses along two sides of the road overbridge," said a PWD official. These flyovers were conceptualized five years ago and the proposals were approved in 2008.

A railway overbridge/underbridge - constructed at a cost of Rs 107 crore by Delhi Tourism And Transport Development Corporation - was also inaugurated at road number 68, Nand Nagri. The CM said that this road is one of the most important roads in trans-Yamuna area. It provides connectivity to GTB Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital, Swami Dayanand Hospital, IHBAS and the UP border. The project was taken up as part of the scheme for closing all railway level crossings in Delhi. It is a unique combination of overbridge/underbridge, which caters to the requirements of both slow and fast moving traffic, and will provide signal-free traffic movement at Nathu Colony and at railway level crossing.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/CM-opens-2-flyovers-for-east-Delhi-residents/articleshow/7407583.cms

Leaders of Sikh community call on PM, ask for reversal of Delhi Police order

Wednesday, Feb 02, 2011




It seems that Delhi Traffic police's efforts to make women two-wheeler-drivers and pillion riders wear helmets might go down the drain.



As the word spread that Delhi government had asked the Traffic Police to reverse an earlier order exempting women from wearing helmets while riding two-wheelers, members of Sikh community came out strongly against the proposal. Leaders of the community called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and gave him a memorandum that called for not implementing the order as it was against the tenants of their religion.

"We won't allow this as it goes against our religion. Sikh men are not allowed to wear anything over their turbans while Sikh women are supposed to keep their heads covered, so helmets do not go with our religious beliefs. Similar proposals in other countries had met with strong protests and governments of the US and Britain had to finally accept the recommendations of our community," said Paramjit Singh Pamma, who met the Prime Minister along with other leaders of National Akali Dal, Sikh Welfare Society and Shri Guru Nanak Sathsang Sabha of Chennai.

The government had on January 12, decided to enforce the helmet law more stringently for bikers and pillion riders, irrespective of their gender. "We have asked the traffic department to make it mandatory for women driving two-wheelers and also those riding the pillion to wear helmets," Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta had said.

 Delhi is the only city in the country that has exempted women driving two-wheelers or riding as pillion from wearing helmets since 1999.  According to the traffic police, the exemption was allowed following the protests by the Sikh community in the Capital.

According to the police, last year 700 people had died in Delhi two-wheeler related accidents. Most of them were not wearing helmets.

Heads up
Facts about helmet according to Delhi Traffic Police:
* It should not obstruct vision
* It should not impair with hearing
* It should be light weight
* It should not cause fatigue  which causes crashes
* It should not cause skin diseases

Original news source http://www.mid-day.com/news/2011/feb/010211-News-Delhi-Leaders-of-Sikh-PM-Gul-Panag.htm

In 2 days, 865 school vehicles prosecuted

Wednesday, Feb 02, 2011




A photo of an overcrowded Maruti van ferrying schoolchildren posted on a popular social networking site by an ordinary citizen triggered off a special drive by the Delhi Traffic Police against errant school vehicles. Drivers of 520 school vehicles were booked on Monday and another 345 were prosecuted on Tuesday for offences ranging from overcrowding to dangerous driving to driving without licence. Several private vehicles were also found carrying schoolchildren without valid papers.

Joint commissioner of police (traffic) Satyendra Garg said, "Out of the 865 vehicles prosecuted, 370 were school buses while 495 were school vans. We also impounded 54 and 42 vehicles on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, for registration or permit violations. The drive was conducted across the city when the vehicles were dropping students home after school on Monday. On Tuesday, we carried out checks in the morning too. We intend to keep up the drive as it is a matter of safety of schoolchildren and others on road."

On Monday, the maximum number of violations were reported in south Delhi where 146 drivers were prosecuted and 22 vehicles impounded. West Delhi came a close second with 131 drivers being booked and eight vehicles impounded. From Parliament and Lajpat Nagar circles, cops impounded nine vehicles each - the maximum for any traffic circle. "Several private Maruti vans carry more children than what is allowed. Usually, the seating capacity of a Maruti van is eight adults, including the driver. Even though the Delhi government notification allows not more than 11 children and the adult driver in a Maruti van, several school vans are seen ferrying over 15 children, putting their safety at risk," said a senior traffic officer.

Vehicles of several prominent schools were also among those booked. The two recent fatal accidents caused by school bus drivers in north Delhi that resulted in the death of three persons, including a traffic cop, and the sudden fire in a school van in central Delhi have raised concerns about the safety of kids who are daily subjected to precarious driving.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/In-2-days-865-school-vehicles-prosecuted/articleshow/7406989.cms