The Naya Raipur Mass Transport ltd (NRMTl) is in the process of developing a total of three BRTS corridors covering a total of 40 km with exclusive ‘Right of Way’ with the possibility of mixed route extension.
NRMTl established to act as a Special Purpose Vehicle to carry out the objectives of building, constructing and developing public transport system has proposed to develop the BRTS with private sector participation, officials stated.
The Corridor-I would be of 25 kms from Raipur Railway Station till Capitol Complex in Naya Raipur.
The Corridor-III would be of 17.8 kms within Naya Raipur.
To facilitate BRTS operations, the NRMTl would provide depots and workshops to park and service the vehicles when not in use.
The operator would maintain 30 air conditioned buses at routes designated by NRMTl. If the fleet requirement is more , 10 more buses would be provided by the operator of similar specifications.
An ‘Intelligent Tracking System’ (ITS) would be established under the proposed Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) in the new administrative capital.
A decision to this effect was taken in the 31st meeting of the Board of Directors of Naya Raipur Development Authority (NRDA) held in the month of May here.
Under ITS, the tracing system for buses, operation and management of BRTS system would be carried out and ticketing process would also be linked. The system would be ready for use within the next nine months.
Notably, The World Bank has extended support to Rs 179 crore BRTS project .
The buses would be fitted with CCTV cameras that can record each and every movement inside the bus. Wider passage-way for free movement, wider window panes for better visibility along with wider and lower entry/exit doors, make these new buses safe and convenient for commuters to enjoy public transportation.
Housing and Environment Minister Rajesh Munat last month had asked officials to develop an action plan for a bus Transit System even for old Raipur.
The Raipur Bus Transit System should comprise a plan to connect the Raipur Bus Stand and Airport with Naya Raipur he had stated while chairing a meeting to review progress of work of Raipur Development Authority (RDA) here.
It may be recalled that the State government has also created ‘Urban Traffic Fund’ and the management of the same will be in the hands of respective PTS in the State. The money in the fund will be provided from the interest received by concerned Municipal Corporation on the funds received for development works.
Raipur received a fund of Rs 20 lakh, Durg-Bhilai Rs 25 lakh, Bilaspur Rs 20 lakh while Rajnandgaon, Korba, Raigarh, Ambikapur, Chirmiri and Jagdalpur have been allocated Rs 15 lakh each, officials stated.
From the fund, expenses like stationary, electricity, telephone expenses etc will be met. However, the salary of the officers and employees will be paid by the concerned Municipal Corporation.
In June last year, the State government had constituted nine Public Transport Societies (PTS) for operation of city bus services in nine major cities and towns.
Funds to the tune of Rs 1.60 crore have been allocated to these societies for the purpose.
According to official sources, the societies have been constituted for Raipur, Durg-Bhilai, Bilaspur, Rajnandgaon, Korba, Raigarh, Ambikapur, Chirmiri and Jagdalpur.