Now recharge Metro smart card online
May 10, 2013
Arpan Rai/ New Delhi
DELHI Metro commuters will now be able to recharge their smart cards online using a credit or a debit card.
In a first for Capital’s public transport, Delhi Metro managing director Mangu Singh on Thursday launched an online recharge facility for Metro cards. Commuters will be able to check and validate their recharge via a touchscreen Ticket Reader- cum- Add Value machines currently installed at 13 Metro stations.
The machines will also provide commuters with information about the balance in the smart card, last recharge details and the last five entry- exit transactions.
About a hundred such machines will be installed in the coming month, said Singh. Metro commuters can top up their smart cards through www. delhimetrorail.com and www. dmrcsmartcard.com.
Source-http://epaper.mailtoday.in
End cycle of vulnerability
May 10, 2013
Atul Mathur , Hindustan Times
New Delhi,
A bicycle is one of most sought-after gifts among children. But once they are older, moving to new bikes and later cars is considered a natural transition. In Delhi, we often see cyclists jostling for space among cars, two-wheelers, buses and commercial vehicles. Statistics prove that they and the pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users.
A bicycle in India is considered a poor man’s commute. In the West and even some Asian countries, bicycles are one of the most popular modes of transport among the executive class. While in countries such as Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium and China, 20-40% of the total trips are done on bicycles, this number in Delhi is less than 5%.
“Yes, carpenters and gardeners can use the bicycle, but not ‘us’ (officers or other members of the growing middle class),” observed Gerhard Menckhoff, principal urban transport specialist and consultant, World Bank.
“A RITES survey revealed that of all the journeys undertaken by Delhiites in a day, nearly 50% are less than 6km long. It infers that there is a lot of scope to promote cycling,” said Nalin Sinha, a transport expert and founder member of Delhi Cycling Club. The club is among a few organisations trying to make cycling and cycle-sharing popular.
Experts believe that in a city like Delhi, where people largely depend on their private vehicles to travel shorter distances, cycle and cycle-sharing can offer a reliable transport system. But Delhi lacks the basic infrastructure and atmosphere conducive for cycle enthusiasts to make that shift. No wonder that while the percentage of households that own two-wheelers and cars has jumped, cycle ownership has come down by few percentage points in the past decade.
“Cycles provide last-mile integration from source. Also, a good cycle parking infrastructure is required close to public transport. A good network of streets specially designed for non-motorised transport and provision for shorter connection is important,” said Anuj Malhotra, an expert in non-motorised traffic with Centre for Green Mobility.
Experts believe that Delhi is now passing through a phase seen by several European and American cities in the last decades of the 20th century. Earlier, of the 3.5 lakh people coming to Times Square in New York, 90% would drive cars. But in the past five years, New York has been transformed from a city of private vehicles to a bustling pedestrian and cycle-friendly city.
“The footpaths have been meticulously redesigned. There are traffic islands at strategic points for people to wait for vehicles to pass before crossing the road. Car parking has been designed in a way to keep cyclists and pedestrians away from the moving traffic,” said Janette Sadik-Khan, commissioner, department of transportation, New York City.
“Providing adequate and safe walking and cycling infrastructure are the primary obligations of any city government and municipal authority. The government will have to spend only a fraction of its flyover or elevated road budget to develop these facilities,” Sinha said.
CASE STUDIES
He wants special bicycle lanes
Praveen Kumar, 21
Ashok Nagar resident
Every day, 21-year-old Praveen Kumar Sharma pedals for over three hours. His workplace, a small roadside car seat cover shop, at Kashmere Gate is nearly 12km from his home in east Delhi’s Ashok Nagar.
Kumar says not only does he save transportation expenses, cycling also helps him keep fit. “Of course, I’m physically fit because of this daily workout session. People pay thousands to go to a fancy gym and to cycle for a few minutes. I do it for free,” Sharma says, sporting a big smile. “Expenses are increasing day by day. Even if I save a few hundred rupees, it does help my family sustain in this otherwise expensive city,” said Sharma, who lives with his parents and brother.
But what about the daily rendezvous with destiny? Sharma smiles wryly and says it’s a risk he has to take. “Have you seen how people drive cars and motorcycles? They don’t care about other cars or motorbikes, leave alone cyclists like me. In the past six months, two motorcyclists have bumped into me. And the worst part is they accused me for the accident,” Praveen says.
Kumar, a native of Faizabad near Lucknow, has heard about specialised bicycle lanes in other cities of India and abroad and wishes that he and thousands like him too had such a facility here.
“Cycles get cowed down in front of bigger vehicles. Bicycle lanes will be of big help and will also help cut down transportation time,” he said.
Ritam Halder
Promoting non-motorised transport
Walk to work initiative
Gurgaon
One fine day, the CEOs and top executives of many of Gurgaon’s IT-BPO firms left their swanky cars behind and chose to walk or cycle to work. The reason: They wanted to promote non-motorised transport (NMT) in the city.
This ‘walk to work’ initiative was organised by the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM).
The initiative has sent the ball rolling on the issue. A resident group on NMT has already taken up with the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon the creation of suitable infrastructure such as cycling tracks and proper footpaths in the city. The group has been holding private workshops and pitching for NMT, as a result of which the corporation is now working on a NMT plan for Gurgaon.
Source -http://www.hindustantimes.com
Faster bus travel spells more commuters
May 10, 2013
Hindustan Times
May 09, 2013
Hindustan Times
May 09, 2013
The traffic situation in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta was similar to our national Capital. With car growth rate greater than the increase in road capacity (1.6 million cars in 2005 with car ownership growing by 10% every year, road growth at 1%), fast urbanisation led to traffic congestion and longer commutes.
Indonesian authorities decided to implement a bus rapid transit system named TransJakarta, which began operations in January 2004. TransJakarta was designed to provide citizens a fast public transport to reduce rush-hour traffic.
The buses run in special lanes and ticket prices are subsidised. In 2011, TransJakarta carried 115 million passengers which was an increase of 32% from the 87 million passengers in 2010. Currently it has the world’s longest BRT routes (172 km in length). HTC
Transit-oriented development to change the way Delhi travels
May 10, 2013
“The area will be developed like a small township, with affordable houses, shopping complexes, school, etc. The Karkardooma Metro station will be the main component of transport, apart from the proposed rapid rail system and BRT,” a DDA official said.
The policy is being prepared by the DDA and the Unified Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning & Engineering) Centre (UTTIPEC). Once adopted, the TOD policy will be applicable to all Metro influence zones of the city, an area that amounts to about 19% of Delhi, including Phase III area. There are plans to involve the private sector in development of the influence zones.
While Delhi’s development has so far been on the ring and radial pattern with reliance on road-based public transport, under the transit-oriented development the commercial and residential complexes will come up within walking distance of mass rapid transit system (MRTS) network.
Curitiba in Brazil has already experienced some success with the policy. Even cities such as New York are working on this pattern. Amanda M Burden, commissioner (city planning) of New York, who was in Delhi a few months ago, said New York also faced similar challenges of growth and congestion. “Our new development is taking place next to the subway (metro). There are better spaces for cyclists and pedestrians. Every facility is at a walking distance from Metro. This model can be tailored according to Delhi’s needs,” Burden had told HT.
Wayforward
Integration of transit systems is the key
Tokyo
The Tokyo subway has 14 Metro lines that run through the length and breadth of the city. With its 328.8- km network and 282 stations, it connects every corner of the city and caters to almost nine million riders every day. Apart from the subway, Tokyo has a very strong and dedicated system for pedestrians and cyclists.
Kuala Lumpur
Kula Lumpur’s transport system is a perfect example of integrated transport network. RapidKL Rail or the monorail runs over a stretch of 8.6km through the central part of the city and connects office areas as well important markets. It caters to almost 20 million commuters a year.
The monorail integrates with Kuala Lumpur’s light rail transit system at three stations. The two corridors of LRT system run within a range of 50km in the city. KL Sentral station is a transport hub where the monorail, light rail and the fast speed airport link train have integrated stations.
The monorail is a two-coach train available every 5 minutes during peak hours and 10 minutes during lean hours
Source -http://www.hindustantimes.com
Delhi choked by its car mania
May 8, 2013
Every day, 1,400 new vehicles hit the roads. And their number is rising at 7-8% every year.
Going by these troubling statistics, experts say making driving and parking cars heavy on pockets is the only way out. “Auto suppression is one of the pillars of a good transport policy. Limit parking space, ration the automobile, tax driving to encourage people to use public transport,” said Mark Gorton, a New York-based transport expert and founder of Rethink the Auto.
Several cities across the globe – Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai in Asia, Oslo and London in Europe, New York in North America and Bogota in South America – have adopted measures such as congestion pricing, heavy tax and limited permits for new cars and strict parking policies. And the results have been more than encouraging.
According to ‘Megacity Challenges’, a research project conducted by international consultants GlobeScan and MRC McLean Hazel, congestion went down by nearly 30% in London and Stockholm due to congestion pricing. There has been a reduction of 10-20% in fuel emissions and road accidents. Annual vehicle growth in Singapore is just about 0.5%.
In its report submitted earlier this year, the High Court-appointed special task force on traffic too suggested levying congestion pricing in central business districts such as CP, Karol Bagh, Chandni Chowk, Nehru Place and South Extension. Interestingly, Delhiites too responded positively when the task force invited objections and suggestions on the issue.
“The urban development ministry too has asked every state to levy congestion tax in business districts. But the political bosses are least interested. Their suggestions are pro-automobile – widen roads, build flyovers,” said a senior Delhi government official.
This is exactly what experts caution against though they believe that unless Delhi has a sustainable transport system, such measures should be avoided. “The government should start preparing a robust integrated walking, non-motorised transport and public transport system while developing a congestion pricing policy. Prepare the people for the new arrangement in the next 5-10 years,” said Nalin Sinha, a transport expert.
The task force has also proposed levying parking charges on vehicles parked in residential colonies. “Land is a premium commodity and people cannot use it for free. A little hike in parking charges won’t deter them,” said Ashok Bhattacharya, director Unified Traffic and Transportation (Planning and Engineering) Centre.
Source- http://www.hindustantimes.com
Plan to run Bluelines in outskirts opposed
May 4, 2013
Abhinav Garg TNN
New Delhi: Safety of women passengers in buses and the need to rein in reckless DTC bus drivers are two issues that have been flagged by the Delhi HC appointed amicus curiae.
In a three-page note submitted in HC the amicus Kailash Vasdev also opposed the Delhi government’s proposed plan to rehabilitate Blueline owners/drivers by permitting them to ply on certain fixed routes outside the city.
“The issue of security/ safety on roads have once again surfaced with accidents involving buses and safety of lady passengers being jeopardized…it is imperative the state government be called upon to respond to this vital issue which has embossed all citizens,” Vasdev pointed out in his response to the government’s plan as asked by HC.
Urging HC to direct the government to file an undertaking that actions of the Blueline buses won’t repeat themselves the amicus stressed DTC must rein in its drivers and follow the best practice rule to eliminate accidents. He emphasized the need to ensure cameras are installed on the roads and all vehicles fitted with a GPS.
HC had earlier asked the government to come up with a better rehabilitation policy for former operators of Blueline buses, while hearing the operators’ plea.
Source-http://epaper.timesofindia.com
Industry corridor may get land near IGI
May 4, 2013
Dipak Kumar Dash TNN
New Delhi: A major portion of a 130-acre prime land adjacent to the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), may go to the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC), a government firm, for a song.
Government sources said that the company wants about 100 acres spread over two sectors in Dwarka from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for developing a complex that would include a convention centre, hotels and luxury housing/service apartments.
The patch spread over Sector 25&26 in Dwarka sub city was originally earmarked for relocation of wholesale trade centres in central Delhi, including Sadar Bazar, Nai Sadak and Khari Baoli, which are known for large-scale grain, paper and chemicals markets, in Master Plan-2021. Five more such areas were identified in the Master Plan-2021. The plan document says that the new wholesale markets are planned “as counter markets to cater to the demands of the growing population of Delhi only, near the rail and road entry points of NCTD. These should be linked with the proposed integrated freight complexes where the wholesale business could be operated more efficiently in a better environment”.
Sources said the task of developing an integrated freight development complex spread over 30 acres might be entrusted with the DDA.
Government sources said that DMIC Development Corporation (DMICDC) has moved its proposal, and the Union urban development ministry recently held highlevel meeting on the issue. It is learnt that while the UD ministry is in favour of allotting it at lesser price than the market rate, a section of DDA officials are hesitant since the market value of the land would be around Rs 10,000 crore.
Sources said that in a worst-case scenario, the DDA would have to allot the land for institutional use and per acre rate for such a plot is Rs 3 crore. In case the entire land is allotted to DMICDC as an institutional plot, the corporation has to cough up only Rs 300 crore.
“There are many within government who don’t agree to the proposal of giving the land at a concessional rate,” a government official said.
But there are others who have argued that DDA should focus on how to allow most efficient use of its land. “It may bring manifold investment and create job opportunities,” an urban development ministry official said.
source-http://epaper.timesofindia.com
Metro work to hit major shopping hubs
April 12, 2013
-
Metro work to hit major shopping hubs
- 10 Apr 2013 Hindustan Times (Delhi)
- Subhendu Ray [email protected]
The construction of five major stations — Bhikaji Cama Place, Sarojini Nagar, INA, Lajpat Nagar and Nizamuddin — as part of Delhi Metro’s proposed corridor connecting Mukundpur with Shiv Vihar in phase 3 is scheduled to kickstart within a fortnight.
The traffic police would divert vehicles on the stretch that connects the Capital’s main markets. Jams are also expected on arterial roads that connect the ring road to south Delhi.
According to Jitendra Tyagi, director (works), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), construction would largely be completed by early 2015, after which traffic restrictions would be lifted.
“The diversions are going to affect traffic movement on the busy ring road,” said Anil Shukla, additional commissioner of police (traffic). “We would allow partial closure of roads and divert traffic to other roads.”
DMRC will put up barricades next week, after which the traffic police will conduct a trial run to test the stretch.
Traffic police said the diversions would hit Feroze Gandhi Marg, Barapullah to Aurobindo Marg, Africa Avenue to ring road, August Kranti Marg and Green Park, among other areas.
Source- www.hindustantimes.com
DND flyway drive gets dearer as Noida Toll Bridge Company hikes toll rates
April 9, 2013
DND flyway drive gets dearer as Noida Toll Bridge Company hikes toll rates
Toll rates for the DND (Delhi-Noida Direct) flyway were hiked from today by the Noida Toll Bridge Company Limited (NTBCL).”Two wheelers toll rates have been increased from Rs 11 to Rs 12, for cars from Rs 22 to Rs 25, LCVs from Rs 45 to Rs 55, bus and truck will now shell out Rs 70 from earlier Rs 55. Large vehicles will pay Rs 100 from existing Rs 75 and extra large vehicles from Rs 95 to Rs 135. The hiked rates are effective from today,” said Anwar Abbasi, spokesperson, NTBCL.
However, the commuters are disappointed with the increase four months after withdrawing the toll hike.”Today I paid Rs 25 as toll tax for my car instead of Rs 22. It will put an additional expense of Rs 180 every month,” said Neeraj Sharma, a resident of Noida who uses DND Flyway to go to his work place at Defence Colony in Delhi.
Multi-level parking at Parade Ground misses high court deadline
April 1, 2013
Multi-level parking at Parade Ground misses high court deadline
NEW DELHI: The North Delhi Municipal Corporation has missed the March 31 deadline of making the parking at Chandni Chowk Parade Ground operational.
The deadline was set by the Delhi High Court. The north body has been able to open only two levels of the underground parking. The parking has four levels, one on the ground and three underground. Only the ground and the upper basement level have been made operational so far.
The civic body officials said some “last-minute work” is being done on the other floors.
Traders of Chandni Chowk have complained to municipal commissioner PK Gupta about the delay. “We would request you to kindly look into the issue and ensure that the parking be made fully operational as per the undertaking given to the Delhi High Court,” wrote the Chandni Chowk Sarv Vypar Mandal.
According to the traders’ body president Sanjay Bhargava, the absence of parking is increasing the pressure on the already congested market, which does not have enough space.
“During weekends when the number of visitors increases, it becomes very difficult to commute in Chandni Chowk as people park cars on the roadside, choking up the carriageway,” he said.
Traders also complain that the nearby Gandhi Ground parking is also in a bad shape and needs renovation.
“The parking is open for the public and people are using it. It is only a matter some time before the entire structure is operational,” said leader of the House Mahender Nagpal.
The unified MCD in February 2012 had inaugurated the 1,020car capacity underground multilevel parking lot in a hurry even before the structure had been completed.
The underground parking will cater to more than 720 cars, while the surface parking area will be utilised for parking of 300 cars.
The parking has been constructed at a cost of R52 crore.
http://paper.hindustantimes.com
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