Saturday, Nov 07, 2009
Keeping in mind the forthcoming winter session of the Parliament, the Delhi Traffic Police has made changes in traffic circulation around Parliament House, with effect from Monday.
Rafi Marg has been made one-way from Sunehri Mazjid to Rail Bhawan. Raisina Road has been made one-way from Rail Bhawan towards Vijay Chowk( North Fountain).
The Traffic authorities also said that due to the construction of the Metro lines, entry to Dr Rajender Prasad Road from Rail Bhawan will remain closed.
From Vijay Chowk, only vehicles bound for the Parliament House will be allowed.
Original news source http://in.news.yahoo.com/48/20091107/804/tnl-new-traffic-plan-for-winter-session.html
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Metro's Noida link may start Nov 13
Saturday, Nov 07, 2009
Delhi Metro's Noida link may be opened to the public Nov 13, if necessary safety checks are complete, a Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) official said Saturday.
"The Yamuna Bank-Noida City centre section will be inspected by the Commissioner for Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) on Nov 10-11. Subject to receiving the clearance from the CMRS, we plan the ceremonial flag-off in Delhi and Noida areas respectively on Nov 12," the metro official said.
"As per our plans, the section would be opened for general public from Nov 13," the official added.
Last month, the Delhi Metro conducted successful trial runs between Yamuna Bank station in the national capital and 10 newly-built stations in Noida.
The 13.1 km stretch will be integrated with the existing 34.3 km Yamuna Bank-Dwarka Sector-9 section.
The DMRC aims to add nearly 53,000 new passengers daily on this new route.
The newly built stations are Akshardham, Mayur Vihar-I and Mayur Vihar Extension in Delhi and New Ashok Nagar, Noida sector 15, sector 16, sector 18, Botanical Garden, Golf Course and Noida City Centre in Uttar Pradesh.
Parking facility is available at the Akshardham, Botanical Garden and Noida City Centre Metro stations.
The Delhi Metro is set to expand from 75 km to 200 km by opening six new lines on its phase II by October 2010.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Metros-Noida-link-may-start-Nov-13/articleshow/5207153.cms
Delhi Metro's Noida link may be opened to the public Nov 13, if necessary safety checks are complete, a Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) official said Saturday.
"The Yamuna Bank-Noida City centre section will be inspected by the Commissioner for Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) on Nov 10-11. Subject to receiving the clearance from the CMRS, we plan the ceremonial flag-off in Delhi and Noida areas respectively on Nov 12," the metro official said.
"As per our plans, the section would be opened for general public from Nov 13," the official added.
Last month, the Delhi Metro conducted successful trial runs between Yamuna Bank station in the national capital and 10 newly-built stations in Noida.
The 13.1 km stretch will be integrated with the existing 34.3 km Yamuna Bank-Dwarka Sector-9 section.
The DMRC aims to add nearly 53,000 new passengers daily on this new route.
The newly built stations are Akshardham, Mayur Vihar-I and Mayur Vihar Extension in Delhi and New Ashok Nagar, Noida sector 15, sector 16, sector 18, Botanical Garden, Golf Course and Noida City Centre in Uttar Pradesh.
Parking facility is available at the Akshardham, Botanical Garden and Noida City Centre Metro stations.
The Delhi Metro is set to expand from 75 km to 200 km by opening six new lines on its phase II by October 2010.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Metros-Noida-link-may-start-Nov-13/articleshow/5207153.cms
Govt smart move fails to rein in errant autos
Saturday, Nov 07, 2009
The transport department's initiative to issue smart cards for all autorickshaws touted as the only solution to the auto mess in the city may have begun, but this has hardly acted as a deterrent for auto drivers who continue to fleece commuters. Now they are citing the hike in price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for overcharging.
Meanwhile, barely 100 auto drivers are turning up everyday at the auto unit of the Regional Transport Department at Burari for the smart cards, as against the daily target of 500 set by the department. So far, just a little over 1,200 auto drivers have turned up to get the smart cards since the scheme was launched on October 21. The department claims those who don't turn up will get a second chance at the end of the process, failing which they could face cancellation of permits.
Vandana Gupta, a resident of Hauz Khas, said: "On Wednesday, auto drivers came up with a new excuse to charge extra money. I was told that the price of CNG has increased and I should dole out Rs 20 more than the meter fare if I want to hire the auto. There is so much happening for the Commonwealth Games, but why is the government not doing anything on this front.''
For the record, industry estimates suggest that on an average, an auto uses about 4 kg of CNG everyday. The price of CNG has gone up by just 20 paise per kg which translates into a strain of about 80 paise a day for the auto driver. This is hardly a reason to hike fares.
Officials claim that the smart card system has been designed to ensure that each and every auto plying in the city gets a smart card by next February. In batches of about 500 daily, auto owners are called to the autorickshaw unit at Regional Transport Office in Burari to get their papers in order, including details of the drivers, their driving licences and public service badge (PSB) numbers. The details are verified by the transport department and at the end of the exercise, a computerized smart card is issued for the vehicle containing all the details and photographs of the authorized persons for reference of the department and enforcement agencies.
"Since auto owners are called on specific dates worked out on the basis of the series of the vehicle registration number, there is no question of evasion. We plan to take stern action, which may even include cancellation of permits,'' said a senior transport department official.
What about enforcement, especially when auto drivers have no regard for the law? Officials say that no amount of enforcement will show result as the auto problem is one of demand and supply. "The solution is to increase the number of autos in the city, which is being looked into by EPCA. Untill this happens, the problem will remain,'' said an official.
Till August this year, traffic police have booked 5,745 autos and taxis for refusing to go by the meter, overcharging and misbehaviour. About 1,58,136 auto drivers have been prosecuted for various traffic offences up to July 31 this year as against 94,990 during the same period last year. Though police admit that enforcement is not up to the mark, they cite shortage of manpower and problems in the system as major reasons for autos having a free run.
At present, one of the main problems in reigning in errant auto drivers is that nearly 80% of the challans issued never reach the real owners. The reason, say officials of the transport department, lies in the fact that records available with government are outdated. In a majority of cases the details of the real owner of the vehicle are not given to the department to evade prosecution or to facilitate ownership of multiple permits by the same person, who in turn rent out the vehicles to untrained drivers for a daily sum.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Govt-smart-move-fails-to-rein-in-errant-autos/articleshow/5207775.cms
The transport department's initiative to issue smart cards for all autorickshaws touted as the only solution to the auto mess in the city may have begun, but this has hardly acted as a deterrent for auto drivers who continue to fleece commuters. Now they are citing the hike in price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for overcharging.
Meanwhile, barely 100 auto drivers are turning up everyday at the auto unit of the Regional Transport Department at Burari for the smart cards, as against the daily target of 500 set by the department. So far, just a little over 1,200 auto drivers have turned up to get the smart cards since the scheme was launched on October 21. The department claims those who don't turn up will get a second chance at the end of the process, failing which they could face cancellation of permits.
Vandana Gupta, a resident of Hauz Khas, said: "On Wednesday, auto drivers came up with a new excuse to charge extra money. I was told that the price of CNG has increased and I should dole out Rs 20 more than the meter fare if I want to hire the auto. There is so much happening for the Commonwealth Games, but why is the government not doing anything on this front.''
For the record, industry estimates suggest that on an average, an auto uses about 4 kg of CNG everyday. The price of CNG has gone up by just 20 paise per kg which translates into a strain of about 80 paise a day for the auto driver. This is hardly a reason to hike fares.
Officials claim that the smart card system has been designed to ensure that each and every auto plying in the city gets a smart card by next February. In batches of about 500 daily, auto owners are called to the autorickshaw unit at Regional Transport Office in Burari to get their papers in order, including details of the drivers, their driving licences and public service badge (PSB) numbers. The details are verified by the transport department and at the end of the exercise, a computerized smart card is issued for the vehicle containing all the details and photographs of the authorized persons for reference of the department and enforcement agencies.
"Since auto owners are called on specific dates worked out on the basis of the series of the vehicle registration number, there is no question of evasion. We plan to take stern action, which may even include cancellation of permits,'' said a senior transport department official.
What about enforcement, especially when auto drivers have no regard for the law? Officials say that no amount of enforcement will show result as the auto problem is one of demand and supply. "The solution is to increase the number of autos in the city, which is being looked into by EPCA. Untill this happens, the problem will remain,'' said an official.
Till August this year, traffic police have booked 5,745 autos and taxis for refusing to go by the meter, overcharging and misbehaviour. About 1,58,136 auto drivers have been prosecuted for various traffic offences up to July 31 this year as against 94,990 during the same period last year. Though police admit that enforcement is not up to the mark, they cite shortage of manpower and problems in the system as major reasons for autos having a free run.
At present, one of the main problems in reigning in errant auto drivers is that nearly 80% of the challans issued never reach the real owners. The reason, say officials of the transport department, lies in the fact that records available with government are outdated. In a majority of cases the details of the real owner of the vehicle are not given to the department to evade prosecution or to facilitate ownership of multiple permits by the same person, who in turn rent out the vehicles to untrained drivers for a daily sum.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Govt-smart-move-fails-to-rein-in-errant-autos/articleshow/5207775.cms
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
DMRC told to stop work on HC parking
Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009
The New Delhi Municipal Council has issued a `stop work' notice to DMRC for the ongoing construction of the underground parking lot
for Delhi High Court next to National Stadium. As reported by TOI, the notice was issued after NDMC made it clear that no work on any site can take place without the necessary sanctions. In this case, HC took no clearances from the heritage conservation committee or Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC).
A 16th century tomb from Sher Shah's period, which was recently notified by Delhi government under NDMC heritage list, is located in the complex where the parking lot is proposed to come up. Conservationists expressed concern that massive digging and construction work near the monument could damage its foundation. NDMC told DMRC that all construction on the premises had to stop as the building permit had not been obtained. Action could, otherwise, be initiated under prevailing laws.
"We have received the letter and are looking into it,'' said a DMRC spokesperson.
Experts said the onus of getting necessary clearances for the work lay with the land allottee Delhi High Court, but approvals were neither sought nor given. The high court had made DMRC the executing agency for the project and authorised them to submit all documents on it's behalf.
"The project never came to DUAC for approval,'' said K T Ravindran, chairman of DUAC. Added AGK Menon, member of the heritage conservation committee: "HC is required to take permission from the heritage conservation committee before any construction work and it will have to apply. We will ask for a conservation report. We need to know how sensitive the client is about preserving the tomb as we will not allow anyone to meddle with it.''
Monday, October 26, 2009
HC multi-level parking hits heritage hurdle
Monday, Oct 26, 2009
A multi-level parking lot for Delhi High Court lawyers coming up next to the National Stadium has run into trouble with NDMC's heritage wing. The civic agency says it is likely to stop the ongoing construction work as a heritage structure a 16th century tomb stands right in the middle of the frenzied construction activity. Now that listed NDMC heritage sites have been notified, any development work around these sites require approval of the heritage conservation committee. Officials said it is Delhi High Court which will need to get the approval.
The tomb, dating back to Sher Shah's period, stands on a raised platform at the construction site where DMRC is building the three-storeyed parking lot under a contract agreement with Delhi High Court. A senior NDMC official said: "The land allotee Delhi High Court will have to re-apply for permission to build the parking lot as under the recently notified NDMC heritage list, any redevelopment plans around these listed structures would require approval from the heritage conservation committee. No approvals have been granted here.''
DMRC officials, meanwhile, said that the land was transferred from LNDO to Delhi High Court for construction of a parking lot and they were merely the contractors for the project. "In any case, the monument does not fall in the construction zone,'' said an official. K C Mittal, former president of Delhi High Court Bar Association under whose tenure the parking lot project started, said: "The monument where the parking lot is coming up is unprotected. Both ASI and the central vista committee have given permission for the work so there is no problem. The monument is in a small portion and no one will touch it. The surrounding area will also be beautified. This parking lot is all underground and there is no construction on the surface level.'' Conservationists, however, claimed that with the construction of a three-storeyed underground parking lot, the foundation of the monument could be damaged.
Sources said that Delhi High Court was earlier refused permission for the parking lot by the heritage conservation committee. It did not re-apply. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has given an NOC for the project which falls in the regulated area for the Sher Shah Gate. It has also imposed a condition that the monument has be carefully preserved. "The site is located within 200m of Purana Qila, a regulated zone. We have given permission but put conditions that the monument at the site remains undamaged and the agency constructing the parking lot will conserve the monument under the guidance of ASI if required. Our permission could be withdrawn if any of the terms of our agreement are violated,'' said a senior ASI official.
Interestingly, the monument also figures in the list of monuments to be notified by Delhi government's state department of archaeology. "The monument is yet to be notified and is under process. Notification should be done in the next few weeks. When it was brought to our knowledge that development work is going on near this tomb, we visited the site to ensure that the portion around the monument is kept as it is. A joint meeting will be held with ASI and DMRC in this regard,'' said a senior official from the department. Officials said that they would monitor the work to ensure that adequate distance is kept between the monument and the construction. "Otherwise after the notification, we can take action under the Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2004,'' said an official.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/HC-multi-level-parking-hits-heritage-hurdle/articleshow/5161422.cms
A multi-level parking lot for Delhi High Court lawyers coming up next to the National Stadium has run into trouble with NDMC's heritage wing. The civic agency says it is likely to stop the ongoing construction work as a heritage structure a 16th century tomb stands right in the middle of the frenzied construction activity. Now that listed NDMC heritage sites have been notified, any development work around these sites require approval of the heritage conservation committee. Officials said it is Delhi High Court which will need to get the approval.
The tomb, dating back to Sher Shah's period, stands on a raised platform at the construction site where DMRC is building the three-storeyed parking lot under a contract agreement with Delhi High Court. A senior NDMC official said: "The land allotee Delhi High Court will have to re-apply for permission to build the parking lot as under the recently notified NDMC heritage list, any redevelopment plans around these listed structures would require approval from the heritage conservation committee. No approvals have been granted here.''
DMRC officials, meanwhile, said that the land was transferred from LNDO to Delhi High Court for construction of a parking lot and they were merely the contractors for the project. "In any case, the monument does not fall in the construction zone,'' said an official. K C Mittal, former president of Delhi High Court Bar Association under whose tenure the parking lot project started, said: "The monument where the parking lot is coming up is unprotected. Both ASI and the central vista committee have given permission for the work so there is no problem. The monument is in a small portion and no one will touch it. The surrounding area will also be beautified. This parking lot is all underground and there is no construction on the surface level.'' Conservationists, however, claimed that with the construction of a three-storeyed underground parking lot, the foundation of the monument could be damaged.
Sources said that Delhi High Court was earlier refused permission for the parking lot by the heritage conservation committee. It did not re-apply. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has given an NOC for the project which falls in the regulated area for the Sher Shah Gate. It has also imposed a condition that the monument has be carefully preserved. "The site is located within 200m of Purana Qila, a regulated zone. We have given permission but put conditions that the monument at the site remains undamaged and the agency constructing the parking lot will conserve the monument under the guidance of ASI if required. Our permission could be withdrawn if any of the terms of our agreement are violated,'' said a senior ASI official.
Interestingly, the monument also figures in the list of monuments to be notified by Delhi government's state department of archaeology. "The monument is yet to be notified and is under process. Notification should be done in the next few weeks. When it was brought to our knowledge that development work is going on near this tomb, we visited the site to ensure that the portion around the monument is kept as it is. A joint meeting will be held with ASI and DMRC in this regard,'' said a senior official from the department. Officials said that they would monitor the work to ensure that adequate distance is kept between the monument and the construction. "Otherwise after the notification, we can take action under the Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2004,'' said an official.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/HC-multi-level-parking-hits-heritage-hurdle/articleshow/5161422.cms
Soon, cycle tracks on big roads
Sunday, Oct 25, 2009
Soon, Delhi will have dedicated cycle tracks on all major roads leading to Commonwealth Games venues. In an attempt to encourage non-motorised transportation modes, Delhi government has decided to construct cycle tracks on the roads so that tourists and other spectators can cycle to the venues during the mega sporting event. Emphasis will also be laid on pedestrianisation.
Walking and cycling are the preferred modes of commuting within the city for a large percentage of Delhiites. While the cycle tracks will be made along the approach roads to stadia and the Games Village, there are plans of making cycle tracks all along the city's roads after the Games.
Said chief secretary Rakesh Mehta: "We want to make the area around the venues and the Games Village pedestrian-friendly. At least 30%-40% of Delhi's population walk and proper footpaths are a requirement. We also want to create cycle tracks which we would like to extend to the rest of the city after the Games taking into consideration views of other stakeholders.'' For the time-being the cycle tracks will be created along the 4-5 km road length leading up to stadia like Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Siri Fort Sports Complex, Yamuna Sports Complex, Indira Gandhi Stadium, National Stadium, Thyagaraj Stadium, Chattrasal Stadium etc.
All three agencies MCD, PWD, NDMC have appointed consultants for carrying out the work of streetscaping and making Delhi pedestrian-friendly and creating cycle tracks is part of this project.
Said Pradeep Sachdeva, who has been hired as a consultant for PWD: "Usage of non-motorised vehicles needs to be encouraged in the city and we will be creating proper footpaths and cycle tracks along Lodhi Road, Bhishm Pitamah Marg, Stadium Marg etc. Sculptures and other art forms will be included as part of the streetscaping work to increase aesthetic appeal of the city.'' According to PWD officials, the combined cost of carrying out streetsacping work in MCD and PWD areas is Rs 350 crore. While NDMC and PWD have begun with streetscaping work, MCD is yet to do so.
One of the few other roads in the city with operational cycle tracks running through the length of the stretch is the pilot BRT corridor from Ambedkar Nagar to Delhi Gate. Even though the cycle tracks are well designed and used by scores of cyclists everyday, main problem is that of encroachment. Near Madangir, for instance, the cycle tracks and even footpaths are encroached by unauthorised parking of cars and even by Blueline buses. As a result, the cyclists are forced to fight for space with traffic on the main road.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Soon-cycle-tracks-on-big-roads/articleshow/5160905.cms
Soon, Delhi will have dedicated cycle tracks on all major roads leading to Commonwealth Games venues. In an attempt to encourage non-motorised transportation modes, Delhi government has decided to construct cycle tracks on the roads so that tourists and other spectators can cycle to the venues during the mega sporting event. Emphasis will also be laid on pedestrianisation.
Walking and cycling are the preferred modes of commuting within the city for a large percentage of Delhiites. While the cycle tracks will be made along the approach roads to stadia and the Games Village, there are plans of making cycle tracks all along the city's roads after the Games.
Said chief secretary Rakesh Mehta: "We want to make the area around the venues and the Games Village pedestrian-friendly. At least 30%-40% of Delhi's population walk and proper footpaths are a requirement. We also want to create cycle tracks which we would like to extend to the rest of the city after the Games taking into consideration views of other stakeholders.'' For the time-being the cycle tracks will be created along the 4-5 km road length leading up to stadia like Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Siri Fort Sports Complex, Yamuna Sports Complex, Indira Gandhi Stadium, National Stadium, Thyagaraj Stadium, Chattrasal Stadium etc.
All three agencies MCD, PWD, NDMC have appointed consultants for carrying out the work of streetscaping and making Delhi pedestrian-friendly and creating cycle tracks is part of this project.
Said Pradeep Sachdeva, who has been hired as a consultant for PWD: "Usage of non-motorised vehicles needs to be encouraged in the city and we will be creating proper footpaths and cycle tracks along Lodhi Road, Bhishm Pitamah Marg, Stadium Marg etc. Sculptures and other art forms will be included as part of the streetscaping work to increase aesthetic appeal of the city.'' According to PWD officials, the combined cost of carrying out streetsacping work in MCD and PWD areas is Rs 350 crore. While NDMC and PWD have begun with streetscaping work, MCD is yet to do so.
One of the few other roads in the city with operational cycle tracks running through the length of the stretch is the pilot BRT corridor from Ambedkar Nagar to Delhi Gate. Even though the cycle tracks are well designed and used by scores of cyclists everyday, main problem is that of encroachment. Near Madangir, for instance, the cycle tracks and even footpaths are encroached by unauthorised parking of cars and even by Blueline buses. As a result, the cyclists are forced to fight for space with traffic on the main road.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Soon-cycle-tracks-on-big-roads/articleshow/5160905.cms
Delhi Metro has to clear clogged roads by Nov 30
Sunday, Oct 25, 2009
By November 30, driving through the heart of the city will get easier because Delhi Metro has been asked to clear barricades and construction material and equipment from roads such as Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Ram Manohar Lohia hospital, Ridge Road, Dhaula Kuan, National Highway-8, Tughlaq Road, Humayun Road and Krishi Bhawan roundabout.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has contended that construction of the new lines is nearing completion and it is trying to clear the roads. But the Capital's residents will get a respite only by the new year.
Roughly a fortnight ago, Delhi traffic police shot off letters to project managers of all the lines operating in the New Delhi area, asking that the roads be cleared because permission to divert traffic would run out on November 30.
"We wrote to DMRC to clear the roads as the diversions are causing a lot of inconvenience to the general public. The traffic pattern in the area has got disturbed, leading to massive congestion in the area. The works should have been planned to ensure that the permission time doesn't get overshot. We are hoping they will expedite the process,'' said Suvashish Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner of Police (traffic), New Delhi range.
DMRC officials say they have started to clear the roads. But it could take longer than the deadline. The first set of roads to be cleared will be those on which the Airport Express Line is coming up.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-Metro-has-to-clear-clogged-roads-by-Nov-30/articleshow/5158318.cms
By November 30, driving through the heart of the city will get easier because Delhi Metro has been asked to clear barricades and construction material and equipment from roads such as Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Ram Manohar Lohia hospital, Ridge Road, Dhaula Kuan, National Highway-8, Tughlaq Road, Humayun Road and Krishi Bhawan roundabout.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has contended that construction of the new lines is nearing completion and it is trying to clear the roads. But the Capital's residents will get a respite only by the new year.
Roughly a fortnight ago, Delhi traffic police shot off letters to project managers of all the lines operating in the New Delhi area, asking that the roads be cleared because permission to divert traffic would run out on November 30.
"We wrote to DMRC to clear the roads as the diversions are causing a lot of inconvenience to the general public. The traffic pattern in the area has got disturbed, leading to massive congestion in the area. The works should have been planned to ensure that the permission time doesn't get overshot. We are hoping they will expedite the process,'' said Suvashish Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner of Police (traffic), New Delhi range.
DMRC officials say they have started to clear the roads. But it could take longer than the deadline. The first set of roads to be cleared will be those on which the Airport Express Line is coming up.
Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Delhi-Metro-has-to-clear-clogged-roads-by-Nov-30/articleshow/5158318.cms
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