This Article is From Aug 02, 2013

Sheila Dikshit promises to upgrade Delhi's transport infrastructure

Sheila Dikshit promises to upgrade Delhi's transport infrastructure
New Delhi: Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today resolved to significantly improve transport infrastructure in Delhi to cater to the growing population and increasing number of vehicles.

She said public transport system in the city was far better compared to other cities in the country.

Addressing a conference on Urban Transport, Dikshit said government has decided to accord top priority to the transport sector with an aim to put in place a transport system of international standard.

"The transport system in Delhi is much better than any other city in the country. However, a lot still needs to be done. The government has decided to give top priority to transport sector," Ms Dikshit said.

In the budget for 2013-14, the transport sector was given the highest allocation of Rs 3,876 crore.

The Chief Minister also stressed on the need to improve transportation from neighbouring cities to Delhi.

"Mobility from neighbouring cities to Delhi needs to be made more comfortable and efficient. We are not where we need to be. A lot needs to be done. We need innovations to fast track the transport system," she said.

Transport Minister Ramakant Goswami favoured construction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors across the city to strengthen the public transport system.

The government has delayed going ahead with seven proposed BRT corridors following severe criticism of the first such corridor between Ambedkar Nagar and Delhi Gate.

National Capital Rerion Planning Board Member Secretary Naini Jayaseelan underlinned the need for integrating railways with the transport system in Delhi.

"The world's best transport systems have evolved by integrating regional railways into sub-urban system," she said.

She also gave a presentation on the Regional Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS) proposed by the Union Urban Development Ministry to link various neighbouring towns like Meerut, Alwar and Panipat with Delhi.

Director (Operations) of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Sharat Sharma also made a presentation on multimodal transport system in Delhi. Special Commissioner of Traffic Police Taj Hassan highlighted the need for road safety.

"Delhi traffic Police have been successful in brining down the rate of road accidents. Last year 1,866 road accidents were registered whereas this year till July only 915 accidents have been reported," he said.

He also underlinned the need for streamlining the mechanism to issue driving licenses and vehicle fitness certificate, saying the number of road accidents can be further brought down by initiating such steps. He also favoured revision of penalties on motorists flouting traffic rules.

Hassan said 44 per cent of road accidents victims are pedestrians.
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