In an attempt to develop lucknow and Kanpur as twin cities, the state government has initiated a process of rapid transport system between the two besides a proposal has been mooted to construct Outer Ring Road in Agra. The issue came up during discussions on the development in Agra and Kanpur.
A senior official told 'The Pioneer' in lucknow on Sunday that the state government has directed Divisional Commissioners of Kanpur and Agra to submit a detailed report on the proposals after due deliberations within a week.
Officers have been asked to consider proposals of rapid transport systems for connecting lucknow and Kanpur as twin cities. The Commissioner of Kanpur was also asked to send a detailed report on renovation of Jhakarkati bus stand and construction of alternate bus stands at Vikasnagar, Vijaynagar and Jajmau.
“Construction of the overbridge at Unnao has eased traffic pressure a bit but much has to be done. The cities should be developed as twin cities in the pattern of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. If the travel time between the two cities could be shortened, we could see increase in economic activities,” the official said.
Similarly while deliberating on the presentation for Agra, the official said that work on Inner Ring Road will be completedwithin two years. “The area should be developed for medical tourism and other commercial activities should also be taken up. This will generate more employment at the local level and tourists too would get international facilities,” he opined.
A similar proposal was mooted some years back but was shelved due to want of money. “This time, the government is committee for the Ring Road to come up which will greatly help in decongesting the Taj city,” he said.
Officers have also been asked to co-ordinate with Central agencies to promote nature walk in the historic city. “Plans should be made to provide bicycles to tourist on rent on an hourly basis. This would improve traffic movement and help in preserving nature,” the officer said.