The Times of India            26.12.2013 

Pune roots for better PMPML bus services

PUNE: The metro project is very much on track, but the city's hopes hinge on the proposed improvements in the PMPML bus service and the completion of the two Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes slated for completion in 2014.

The metro rail project has been delayed, but to see some improvement in the city traffic in the new year, all eyes are now set on improvement of PMPML bus services and the start of at least two Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.

Expectations are high as the state government is likely to issue directives to the municipal corporations of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad to allocate substantial part of their annual budgets for strengthening the PMPML. The much awaited Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) for better monitoring and regulation of traffic is likely to start as well while the traffic police would also get additional staff in the new year.

The two BRTS expected to become operational in 2014 are Vishrantwadi-Wagholi (a 16km stretch on the Pune-Nagar highway) and Sangvi-Kiwale (a 14.5km stretch between Aundh and the starting point of expressway). The projects are likely to start in April. The PMPML, which does not have adequate number of buses as of now, will get 500 buses on lease. In addition, another 650 buses, under the JNNURM, should be available to ease the city's transport woes.

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan gave an assurance during the winter session in Nagpur recently that the government would issue directives to the PMC and the PCMC for making budgetary provision for the PMPML. Eight city-based NGOs, including Parisar, Pedestrians First, PMP Pravasi Manch, and the National Society for Clean Cities, had earlier sent a memorandum to the chief minister urging him to strengthen Pune's public transport undertaking. Both municipal corporations have also allowed the use of 2.5 FSI for construction of commercial complexes on lands reserved for bus terminals and depots. While the first two floors will be used for bus terminals and other services, the remaining floors will be used for commercial purpose, which will help the PMPML earn substantial revenue. On its part, the PMPML is set to construct bus shelters at 1,000 main bus stops.

On the CM's assurance, Prashant Inamdar of Pedestrians First said, "We are happy that the chief minister has given serious consideration to our demands. We hope that a concrete action will be taken by the government without delay."

The PMC's move to create hawker zones should help clear footpaths and roads of encroachments. Removal of unauthorized vendors in Mahatma Phule Mandai has already helped the PMPML set up a bus stop in the main market area, which should help people travelling to the central market area from all parts of the city and vice versa.

The metro project has inched ahead. After a formal approval from the state, the PMC and the PCMC are expected to start preliminary planning for construction of the routes. However, with the election code of conduct to be in force in April for Lok Sabha and the state assembly elections in September, some delay in laying of the foundation stone for the project is likely.

The Pune traffic police should benefit from the state's decision to provide additional man force. State home minister R R Patil gave this assurance to the house during the winter session of the state legislature. Also, traffic police will get five special vehicles for special drives and traffic enforcement, besides speed guns, cameras, tintometers and breath analysers from a funds of Rs 2 crore already sanctioned by the district planning and development committee.

At the Pune railway station, an additional parking facility will be created. Also, construction of the second foot over bridge is expected to begin.

Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Vishwas Pandhre said that a lot of ground work has been done in 2013 which will yield benefits in terms of better traffic management next year. The development plan, which is being finalized, will help control unplanned growth. Similarly, creation of the proposed transport hubs in large areas near abandoned octroi posts will help reduce traffic congestion. The traffic police will get more manpower. Traffic branch is all set to impart additional training to them. There is better inter departmental coordination, as well as among all stake holders who are working on traffic issues. New terminals of the state transport are being created at Sangvi and Seven Loves chowk, he said.