Indian Express 19.08.2009

Speed up bus rapid transit system project: Reddy to state govt

Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy has asked the state government to expedite the bus rapid transit system (BRTS) project.

“The state government should give special attention to the BRTS. The roads have been invaded by owners of private buildings and they are becoming increasingly insensitive to the need of pedestrians,” he said. “BRTS is part of National Urban Transport Policy and the work should begin soon. This will help and encourage public transport.”

Pune is the only city in the state to have implemented BRTS. Consulting Engineering Services (CES) had done a feasibility report on the project, but the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) is yet to take a decision on it.

Senior MMRDA officials said the project could turn out to be a costly affair.

However, there was no assurance from the government in this regard. Metropolitan commissioner Ratnakar Gaikwad said, “We would be working on it and it would not be far different from those in Delhi and Pune.”