In a bid to solve the perpetual traffic woes outside the Metro stations caused by the means to provide last mile connectivity, the upcoming Metro stations will be developed into multi-modal transit hubs. The passenger friendly prospect aims to facilitate seamless transition between different modes of public transport at all the proposed 67 Metro stations to be constructed under phase III network of Delhi.
Apart from providing a hassle-free ride to the Metro commuters, this Transit Oriented Development (TOD) of the upcoming Metro stations, by dedicating space to the means of transport to provide end-mile connectivity, will also help curb the perpetual traffic problems encountered around various Metro stations.
The move will address the complaints of the residents, who often have been at the receiving end due to the Metro stations near their localities, which attract scores of options providing end-mile connectivity — rickshaws, gramin sewas, auto rickshaws — triggering traffic jams and noise pollution. Delhi Metro has begun the work on this passenger friendly suggestion put forth by the United Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning and Engineering) Centre (UTTIPEC). The proposal aims to convert
the 300 metre area around the Metro stations into a hub of public transport.
With the easy availability of other modes of transport such as buses, auto rickshaws and buses, Metro commuters will then be able to experience a hassle free travel experience to their respective destinations. “If the Metro stations are developed into zones facilitating easy switch to other modes of travel, the endless problems faced by the daily commuters to look for the means of travel outside the Metro stations will come to an end. Delhi Metro will then prove to be a new age public transport system in true sense,” said Nishal Saxena, an advertising professional.
As part of the expansion of the Delhi Metro network into the city, 67 Metro stations will be constructed out of which 35 stations will come up on the Mukundpur to Yamuna Vihar corridor. Four additional Metro stations are proposed on this line, for it to be extended till Shiv Vihar. Apart from these, 22 stations are proposed on the corridor connecting Janakpuri West and Kalindi Kunj, while three other Metro stations will be constructed as part of the extension of the present Jahangirpuri corridor till Badli. Seven other Metro stations will be constructed on the line beginning from Central Secretariat, which will terminate at Kashmere Gate via Janpath and Mandi House.
The move to convert these upcoming Metro stations into the hubs of public transport will come as a fillip to the overall public transport network in the city. “The plan aims to provide seamless transit for a passenger from his/her starting point to the destination. The significant improve in connectivity will see more and more common people to depend on the public transport. The UTTIPEC had asked Delhi Metro to prepare a detailed plan in this regard. However, with DMRC failing to take the initiative it was decided that UTTIPEC will appoint an agency as a consultant to prepare a detailed area plan for the upcoming Metro stations. The survey is almost complete,” said an official source.
“DMRC is required to implement the detailed station area plans for all the Metro stations under phase III on the land under permanent DMRC ownership for construction as well as the land falling under temporary construction. The Corporation has also been asked to engage the road owning agencies in the process. Delhi Metro has to implement the station area plan at the upcoming metro stations before they get operational for the public use,” added the source.