Tuesday , Feb 23, 2010
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is all set to begin work on a multi-level parking lot in Pitampura, West Delhi. BJP leader and the Leader of Opposition, Delhi Legislative Assembly, Vijay Kumar Malhotra, laid the foundation stone for the parking lot on Monday.
To be constructed at a cost of Rs 25 crore, the parking lot will ease traffic chaos due to unauthorised parking, said Corporation officials.
The three-level parking lot will be developed across an area of approximately 2,143 square metres. The MCD will also "beautify" and develop a "green area" on the top-most level of the parking lot, in accordance with the Masterplan of Delhi-2021.
The project is part of around 20 multi-level parking lots the civic body plans to construct this year.
Earlier last month, the MCD had received a sum of Rs 469.80 crore from the Ministry of Urban Development under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission to fund the several multi-level automated parking lots proposed by it. Other multi-level parking lots will come up in areas like Shalimar Bagh, Ashok Vihar, Mohammedpur Village, Malviya Nagar, PVR Basant Lok, PVR Saket and Rajouri Garden.
Also present at the occasion was MCD Standing Committee chairperson Ram Krishan Singhal. Singhal said the Corporation would undertake around 22 such multi-level parking projects to tackle parking problems in the city. He, however, added that most often, such projects get delayed because the Corporation needs to approach multiple agencies for necessary clearances and approvals, which is a "time- taking affair."
Original news source http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Multi-level-parking-to-come-up-in-West-Delhi/583017/
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Minto Bridge project to miss deadline
Monday, February 22, 2010
Lack of coordination between implementing agencies; blame game continues
The plan to add two more tracks to the historic Minto Bridge in order to widen the heritage structure and enhance inter-State connectivity before the Commonwealth Games here will now miss its deadline.
The reason being lack of coordination between the implementing agencies as well practical difficulties in execution of the project given the existing traffic chaos around Connaught Place.
The decision to widen the bridge was taken in 2003 by Northern Railway to maintain uniformity as the road width below this bridge is narrow compared to the road width on either side. According to Northern Railway, the project was to be implemented jointly by Northern Railway, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and New Delhi Municipal Council as one side of the area falls under the MCD and the other in New Delhi Municipal Council jurisdiction.
A Northern Railway official said: "As per normal procedure, the proportionate cost of widening of the bridge is required to be shared by the MCD, the Railways and the NDMC. A sum of Rs.400 lakh was released during 2003-04 on the basic demand of the Railway authorities for the project."
However, the MCD claims that although most part of the project remains on paper, the civic agency has already completed most work under its jurisdiction.
An MCD official said: "The MCD was supposed to construct a retaining wall on one side to widen the road falling under its jurisdiction. While the retaining wall has been constructed, we are currently shifting a pump to avoid rainwater stagnation under the bridge. The road will be widened after the pump is shifted."
However, Northern Railway and NDMC have not carried out any work under their jurisdiction so far. The reason, according to Northern Railway, is delay in getting requisite permissions.
"If the work was to be carried out all vehicular traffic in the area would have been restricted for six months. The Delhi Police Commissioner refused to grant us permission to divert traffic saying that because of the ongoing work related to Connaught Place redevelopment and construction of subways in the area there was already enough traffic chaos," a Northern Railway official said.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/minto-bridge-project-to-miss-deadline.html
Lack of coordination between implementing agencies; blame game continues
The plan to add two more tracks to the historic Minto Bridge in order to widen the heritage structure and enhance inter-State connectivity before the Commonwealth Games here will now miss its deadline.
The reason being lack of coordination between the implementing agencies as well practical difficulties in execution of the project given the existing traffic chaos around Connaught Place.
The decision to widen the bridge was taken in 2003 by Northern Railway to maintain uniformity as the road width below this bridge is narrow compared to the road width on either side. According to Northern Railway, the project was to be implemented jointly by Northern Railway, Municipal Corporation of Delhi and New Delhi Municipal Council as one side of the area falls under the MCD and the other in New Delhi Municipal Council jurisdiction.
A Northern Railway official said: "As per normal procedure, the proportionate cost of widening of the bridge is required to be shared by the MCD, the Railways and the NDMC. A sum of Rs.400 lakh was released during 2003-04 on the basic demand of the Railway authorities for the project."
However, the MCD claims that although most part of the project remains on paper, the civic agency has already completed most work under its jurisdiction.
An MCD official said: "The MCD was supposed to construct a retaining wall on one side to widen the road falling under its jurisdiction. While the retaining wall has been constructed, we are currently shifting a pump to avoid rainwater stagnation under the bridge. The road will be widened after the pump is shifted."
However, Northern Railway and NDMC have not carried out any work under their jurisdiction so far. The reason, according to Northern Railway, is delay in getting requisite permissions.
"If the work was to be carried out all vehicular traffic in the area would have been restricted for six months. The Delhi Police Commissioner refused to grant us permission to divert traffic saying that because of the ongoing work related to Connaught Place redevelopment and construction of subways in the area there was already enough traffic chaos," a Northern Railway official said.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/minto-bridge-project-to-miss-deadline.html
Traffic cops finalize Commonwealth Game plan
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The ongoing fiasco on the Delhi-Faridabad routes, where lakhs of Delhiites got stuck in endless traffic jams after a Surajkund Road, a vital link between the two towns, was unceremoniously shut off as part of security arrangements for Commonwealth shooting event has left people wondering what's in store for them when the actual Games happen in the city in October this year. With multiple events taking place in several parts of the city for 11 days, and traffic volumes remaining the same, the traffic police say they have a "challenging" job at their hands.
The solution to the mess, Intelligent Traffic Signals (ITS), is also not going to take off by October as the tender process has been delayed. The cops say they have drawn up a comprehensive plan to ensure that the Commonwealth Games pass off well. "What is seen as Surajkund Road was a venue-specific problem. The access road to the shooting range is very narrow and the alternative routes are choked due to construction. The traffic plans for the Commonwealth Games have been finalized and several measures are being undertaken to ensure there is no inconvenience," said a senior traffic police official. Times City finds out how.
Improved road capacity and infrastructure upgradation
All the ongoing construction activity in the capital is going to end by September. Of this, a large number of projects will be completed in the next four months including flyovers, streetscaping of roads, Metro lines, work on stadiums and approach roads. With this, a lot of additional road space will be available for flow of traffic and the new projects will ease congestion at several points as the flyovers, underpasses, Metro lines, footpaths, foot overbridges will be available for use.
Scientific Transport Plan
The traffic police are mapping out the movement of each and every guest, including athletes and their kin, delegates, officials and media from the time they arrive at the Delhi airport till their departure. Movement of people has been planned to the minutest detail including maps on routes taken with exact timings of movement and modes of commute. Officials say the plans have been drafted for all stadiums, training venues, Games village, airport and even hotels. Everything will be rehearsed once the construction of the venues is complete.
Dedicated Games Lanes
While the Games are on, no road will be completely blocked off for general traffic. The situation on Surajkund Road is an exception as the stretch is very narrow and there isn't scope for a Games lane and a normal traffic lane. In October, on about 220 km of roads which will be used by those headed for different events, one lane of road space will be reserved exclusively for Games traffic. But officials said the curbs will be enforced only at the time when some movement is planned on these routes. At all times, general traffic will be permitted.
Traffic-calming measures
From October 3 to 14, when the games are on, Delhi government is planning to shut schools and colleges and are also writing to corporate houses to allow flexible work timimgs for employees to contain vehicular congestion on the roads. Government offices will also reportedly be instructed to restrict work hours in accordance to the events in the city. The idea is to have less congestion on the roads, especially those around Games venues, during peak office hours.
Public transport
With more buses being acquired and the Delhi Metro network being expanded to thrice its present capacity in the next few months, the government and traffic police is going to promote use of public transport in a big way for the Games. Wherever possible, spectators to events will be given incentive to use Delhi Metro or buses. Park and ride facilities are being created around all venues to restrict movement of vehicles too close to the venues.
Strict enforcement of traffic rules
The traffic police are going to step up prosecution and enforce traffic rules stringently during the Commonwealth Games. There will be a zero tolerance for offences like unauthorized parking, red light jumping, Games lane and stop line violation. The entire force of the traffic police along with traffic patrol motorcycles and PCR vans will be deployed on arterial roads at all times to check violators.
Additional manpower & modernization
The traffic police strength is expected to touch an all-time high before the Commonwealth Games as a major share of the total recruits in Delhi Police is coming to the traffic wing. The staff has been recruited and presently undergoing training. In addition, devices like cameras to monitor traffic movement, more cranes and clamps, Variable Message Sign (VMS) boards, GPS etc are being acquired for more effective enforcement.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/traffic-cops-finalize-commonwealth-game.html
The ongoing fiasco on the Delhi-Faridabad routes, where lakhs of Delhiites got stuck in endless traffic jams after a Surajkund Road, a vital link between the two towns, was unceremoniously shut off as part of security arrangements for Commonwealth shooting event has left people wondering what's in store for them when the actual Games happen in the city in October this year. With multiple events taking place in several parts of the city for 11 days, and traffic volumes remaining the same, the traffic police say they have a "challenging" job at their hands.
The solution to the mess, Intelligent Traffic Signals (ITS), is also not going to take off by October as the tender process has been delayed. The cops say they have drawn up a comprehensive plan to ensure that the Commonwealth Games pass off well. "What is seen as Surajkund Road was a venue-specific problem. The access road to the shooting range is very narrow and the alternative routes are choked due to construction. The traffic plans for the Commonwealth Games have been finalized and several measures are being undertaken to ensure there is no inconvenience," said a senior traffic police official. Times City finds out how.
Improved road capacity and infrastructure upgradation
All the ongoing construction activity in the capital is going to end by September. Of this, a large number of projects will be completed in the next four months including flyovers, streetscaping of roads, Metro lines, work on stadiums and approach roads. With this, a lot of additional road space will be available for flow of traffic and the new projects will ease congestion at several points as the flyovers, underpasses, Metro lines, footpaths, foot overbridges will be available for use.
Scientific Transport Plan
The traffic police are mapping out the movement of each and every guest, including athletes and their kin, delegates, officials and media from the time they arrive at the Delhi airport till their departure. Movement of people has been planned to the minutest detail including maps on routes taken with exact timings of movement and modes of commute. Officials say the plans have been drafted for all stadiums, training venues, Games village, airport and even hotels. Everything will be rehearsed once the construction of the venues is complete.
Dedicated Games Lanes
While the Games are on, no road will be completely blocked off for general traffic. The situation on Surajkund Road is an exception as the stretch is very narrow and there isn't scope for a Games lane and a normal traffic lane. In October, on about 220 km of roads which will be used by those headed for different events, one lane of road space will be reserved exclusively for Games traffic. But officials said the curbs will be enforced only at the time when some movement is planned on these routes. At all times, general traffic will be permitted.
Traffic-calming measures
From October 3 to 14, when the games are on, Delhi government is planning to shut schools and colleges and are also writing to corporate houses to allow flexible work timimgs for employees to contain vehicular congestion on the roads. Government offices will also reportedly be instructed to restrict work hours in accordance to the events in the city. The idea is to have less congestion on the roads, especially those around Games venues, during peak office hours.
Public transport
With more buses being acquired and the Delhi Metro network being expanded to thrice its present capacity in the next few months, the government and traffic police is going to promote use of public transport in a big way for the Games. Wherever possible, spectators to events will be given incentive to use Delhi Metro or buses. Park and ride facilities are being created around all venues to restrict movement of vehicles too close to the venues.
Strict enforcement of traffic rules
The traffic police are going to step up prosecution and enforce traffic rules stringently during the Commonwealth Games. There will be a zero tolerance for offences like unauthorized parking, red light jumping, Games lane and stop line violation. The entire force of the traffic police along with traffic patrol motorcycles and PCR vans will be deployed on arterial roads at all times to check violators.
Additional manpower & modernization
The traffic police strength is expected to touch an all-time high before the Commonwealth Games as a major share of the total recruits in Delhi Police is coming to the traffic wing. The staff has been recruited and presently undergoing training. In addition, devices like cameras to monitor traffic movement, more cranes and clamps, Variable Message Sign (VMS) boards, GPS etc are being acquired for more effective enforcement.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/traffic-cops-finalize-commonwealth-game.html
Commonwealth Games: Special buses, Metro station-stadium shuttle service for spectators
Sunday, February 21, 2010
A special DTC bus fleet, shuttle services from Metro stations to stadia and free travel in public transport for those carrying tickets are some aspects of a spectator transport plan formulated by the organisers of the Commonwealth Games to be held here in October.
The Games Organising Committee along with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has chalked out the plan to take care of transport requirements of the "ticketed spectators".
Some of the proposed measures include introduction of a special fleet of buses, providing a regular shuttle service to and from the various Metro stations across Delhi and Games venues, free passes for Games volunteers and workforce on duty, sources in the Organising Committee said.
"There are also plans to integrate the Delhi Metro and DTC services so that all spectators can commute conveniently between different locations in and around Delhi. The ticketed spectators will be entitled for free public transport in DTC buses and Delhi Metro, valid for the day of the competition," a source said.
The Commonwealth Games, to be held between October 3-14 in the national capital this year, is expected to draw around 100,000 foreign tourists to the city.
If the large number of Indian tourists and residents of Delhi and National Capital Region is also taken into account, the spectator count per day per event is expected to be in thousands per venue.
To ferry spectators to and from different Games' venues, DTC will be providing a special bus fleet consisting of more than 600 CNG-fuelled buses.
The OC and DTC have also identified various stops from where the buses will pick and drop passengers, the sources said, adding, the entire Delhi has been divided into five zones for the purpose --'East', 'West and South West', 'North', 'South and South East' and 'West and North West'.
The zones will have 'Hub Points' like Anand Vihar ISBT, Dhaula Kuan or RK Puram, ISBT (Kashmere Gate), Nehru Place Terminal and Shivaji Stadium which will serve as various 'Focal Points'.
The DTC Focal Point Bus Service would also be integrated with Delhi Metro wherein the buses would transport passengers up to Metro stations for venues that have Metro connectivity.
"This is expected to result in on-road traffic reduction with the Metro ferrying about 2000 commuters per trip as compared to a bus that would have a far lesser capacity, a source said. The frequency of shuttle services is currently being planned," the source said.
The requirement for the workforce, including volunteers, is being worked out on the basis of their deployment at various venues on shifts. The public transport is also accordingly proposed to be scheduled to suit the requirement.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/commonwealth-games-special-buses-metro.html
A special DTC bus fleet, shuttle services from Metro stations to stadia and free travel in public transport for those carrying tickets are some aspects of a spectator transport plan formulated by the organisers of the Commonwealth Games to be held here in October.
The Games Organising Committee along with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has chalked out the plan to take care of transport requirements of the "ticketed spectators".
Some of the proposed measures include introduction of a special fleet of buses, providing a regular shuttle service to and from the various Metro stations across Delhi and Games venues, free passes for Games volunteers and workforce on duty, sources in the Organising Committee said.
"There are also plans to integrate the Delhi Metro and DTC services so that all spectators can commute conveniently between different locations in and around Delhi. The ticketed spectators will be entitled for free public transport in DTC buses and Delhi Metro, valid for the day of the competition," a source said.
The Commonwealth Games, to be held between October 3-14 in the national capital this year, is expected to draw around 100,000 foreign tourists to the city.
If the large number of Indian tourists and residents of Delhi and National Capital Region is also taken into account, the spectator count per day per event is expected to be in thousands per venue.
To ferry spectators to and from different Games' venues, DTC will be providing a special bus fleet consisting of more than 600 CNG-fuelled buses.
The OC and DTC have also identified various stops from where the buses will pick and drop passengers, the sources said, adding, the entire Delhi has been divided into five zones for the purpose --'East', 'West and South West', 'North', 'South and South East' and 'West and North West'.
The zones will have 'Hub Points' like Anand Vihar ISBT, Dhaula Kuan or RK Puram, ISBT (Kashmere Gate), Nehru Place Terminal and Shivaji Stadium which will serve as various 'Focal Points'.
The DTC Focal Point Bus Service would also be integrated with Delhi Metro wherein the buses would transport passengers up to Metro stations for venues that have Metro connectivity.
"This is expected to result in on-road traffic reduction with the Metro ferrying about 2000 commuters per trip as compared to a bus that would have a far lesser capacity, a source said. The frequency of shuttle services is currently being planned," the source said.
The requirement for the workforce, including volunteers, is being worked out on the basis of their deployment at various venues on shifts. The public transport is also accordingly proposed to be scheduled to suit the requirement.
Original news source http://common-wealth-games-2010.blogspot.com/2010/02/commonwealth-games-special-buses-metro.html
Monday, February 22, 2010
Roadblock for MCD parking lot in walled city?
Thursday , Feb 18, 2010
The MCD's plan to construct a multi-level parking lot at the parade ground here to ease the traffic woes in the congested walled city appeared to have run into trouble.
The Archaeological Survey of India has raised objections to the site in view of its proximity with various heritage structures in the area, sources said.
The work on the Rs 50 crore multi-level under-ground car parking had begun on Tuesday. The facility will accommodate about 700 vehicles.
MCD spokesperson Deep Mathur said the corporation is yet to receive a written communication or a formal order from the ASI regarding the issue. "We will try to resolve all problems and once the ASI is satisfied, we will continue with the work," he said.
Original Article sourced from http://www.ptinews.com/news/525057_Roadblock-for-MCD-parking-lot-in-walled-city-
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Stop construction activity at HC parking site, Delhi Metro told
Thursday , Feb 18, 2010
There seems to be no end to the trouble surrounding the proposed multi-level parking lot at the Delhi High Court.
After the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) — the proponent of the project — was directed to stop work at the site due to its proximity to a 16th-Century Lodi-era tomb, the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) has now directed the Delhi Metro to stop all construction activity and remove their equipment from the site with immediate effect. The DUAC has also directed DMRC to get in touch with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take steps for conserving the heritage structure.
DUAC sources said the art commission, in its meeting on Wednesday, noted that since DMRC did not have the expertise to conserve the structure, it must approach the ASI. The commission has also asked the DMRC to bear the cost of the conservation. It added that the proposal will be considered only after DMRC follows the directions. "DMRC must approach us only through the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) now," a member said.
During a site visit by commission members earlier this month, it was found that in spite of the Stop Work notice issued by the NDMC, construction activity at the site was still on. According to DUAC sources, heavy equipment was being used just a few metres from the monument. Metro authorities, meanwhile, contended the cracks on the monument had been present before construction started. The DMRC also claimed it had installed sophisticated gadgets at the site to monitor the state of the tomb.
Original Article sourced from http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Stop-construction-activity-at-HC-parking-site--Delhi-Metro-told/581168/
Parade Ground Parking: MCD Begins Work
Tuesday , Feb 16, 2010
Work on multi-level underground parking site at Parade Ground started amidst protest from Shri Dharmik Ramlila committee which organises the Ramlila at the grounds every year.
The committee is demanding that construction of the parking lot should only begin after the Ramlila this year. MCD, however, said that it would continue with construction of the parking lot as it would help decongest Chandni Chowk. Said press and information director Deep Mathur: ``We will continue with our work at Parade Ground. We are only using half of the ground for construction of the parking site. The parking lot should be ready in 16 months. This will benefit the people of Chandni Chowk as it is a commercial hub and also a lot of tourists visit the area. About 1,000 cars can be parked here. While 650 will be accommodated underground, 250 will be parked at ground level.'' The project will cost Rs 50 crore and the area's trader associations support it.
Said Ravi Jain, of the Shir Dharmik Ramlila committee: ``We were given assurances by MCD officials that work on the parking lot would only start after the Ramlila this year. We would have then discussed the matter with MCD to see if building a multi-level parking at Parade Ground was required or not. The civic agency has converted every other ground in the area into a parking lot. Parking is already allowed at Gandhi Maidan and Dangal Maidan.''
MCD had zeroed in on Parade Ground after the underground multi-level parking lot they had to make at Shaheed Park hit a roadblock in the form of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Under fire from Delhi High Court for granting construction permission to various agencies within 100m of protected monuments, ASI had refused to give MCD permission for the project saying it was in the prohibited area of two centrally-protected monuments Khooni Darwaaza and Ferozeshah Kotla ruins. Though the parking plan was specifically meant for office-goers in Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, MCD shifted the site to Parade Ground near Chandni Chowk.
Original Article sourced from http://www.delhiscoop.com/story/2010/2/16/225135/024
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