Having taken the decision to scrap the controversial BRT corridor at a Cabinet meeting last month, the Delhi Government has now asked the Delhi Integrated Multi Model Transit System (DIMTS) to bring a proposal to scrap the corridor without crippling traffic movement on the stretch. Also, the DIMTS has been directed to make sure not to destroy assets created during construction of the corridor.
Top sources told The Pioneer that the DIMTS, which might be awarded the contract soon, will present a detailed report about the task of removing the structures between Ambedkar Nagar and Moolchand stretch, including dozens of bus stops at the middle of the road. The scrapping cost may come around Rs35-40 crore while the total cost of the project between Ambedkar Nagar and Moolchand was Rs150 crore for the 5.8 km stretch that was made operational in 2008 and soon came in for a massive criticism.
However, sources said some in the Government strongly feel that Rs35-40 crore for the dismantling work is inflated and have suggested it to be scrutinised by technical experts.
The Delhi Government’s decision to scrap the controversial BRT corridor comes as a huge relief to commuters, residents of GK I and II, Kalkaji, CR Park, Panchsheel Park, Nehru Place, Chirag Dilli, Siri Fort, Sheikh Sarai and Saket and those responsible for traffic management. Now, the BRT-hit commuters are eagerly waiting for the dismantling work to begin.
The BRT corridor was virtually a non-starter from the beginning. While it sought to promote the noble cause of faster public transport by giving buses a special lane, it miscalculated the road space required for other traffic, leading to snarls, high pollution on Ambedkar Nagar-Defence Colony stretch that soon became notorious for frayed tempers, accidents and delays.
Poor management saw private vehicles cross over to the bus lane, which led to a gridlock at intersections. Even the dedicated bus lanes running through the middle of the road weren’t snag-free. Moreover, the project was also criticised for lack of facilities provided for pedestrians, especially in crossing the road to reach the bus shelters.
While a few activists argued for BRT’s retention on the ground that it provided equality of space for all road users, it was felt that the problems on this particular stretch far outweighed the benefits.
Despite considerable public anger, the previous Government refused to remove the BRT and tried to experiment with measures to make it work. At one point, it was opened for private vehicles too. In 2013, the Central Road Research Institute also recommended dismantling of the corridor, in its report prepared at the instance of the Delhi High Court.
Then Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had also acknowledged in 2013 that the project had been a failure. So much so that last year, Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi labelled the BRT stretch as highly dangerous, in his report to lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung.