The AAP Government has decided to move a fresh proposal before lieutenant- Governor Najeeb Jung for his approval for creating dedicated bus lanes and for imposition of Rs 2,000 fine against the violators in the national Capital.
Also, the Government is set to propose that the buses should not be allowed to move on roads other than dedicated lanes and strict action be taken against drivers violating the rule. Besides, anybody found parking his/her vehicle in the dedicated bus lane will also be fined and asked to pay Rs 2,000.
Earlier, the proposal was moved in February.
The AAP Government has also proposed that the speed limit will be capped at 40 km/hour for buses at the dedicated lane. It may be noted that the l-G had earlier returned back the proposal seeking some clarification from the concerned department and the State Government.
Sources in the Government said the Government has decided to move a fresh proposal addressing all queries raised by the Raj Niwas for creating dedicated bus lanes. A senior official said the Government will impose the fine on violators under Motor Vehicle Act by issuing an order similar to the one issued during Commonwealth Games 2010.
As per proposal, you can drive your car or bike on bus lane, but you cannot stop on dedicated bus lane. Parking or obstruction on bus lanes will not be allowed. So far, the Government has marked bus lanes on 400 kilometres of roads across the national capital.
Reacting on the previous proposal of the AAP Government, Raj Niwas sources however, made it clear that the l-G had “not rejected” the proposal but had instead sought certain clarifications from the Government. “Before sending a proposal to the l-G office, the Transport Commissioner had suggested that the Government should seek the opinion of the road-widening agency, PWD, on the matter. But without seeking PWD’s opinion, the Government had sent the proposal directly to the lG’s office for approval. It is a routine practice that when the l-G has any doubt he seeks opinion of other agencies involved in the concerned project. The l-G had reportedly asked the Government to resubmit the proposal after complying with all the rules,” said sources.
The AAP Government said following the demand of the Delhi Traffic Police and consistent orders of the Supreme Court over the years, it had prepared the proposal and sent it to the l-G for approval.
“If buses get sufficient space, people will reach their destination on time. People who travel by private vehicles may also then think about travelling by buses,” said a senior official of the Transport Department on the condition of anonymity.