Civic body sees no fault, stands by BRTS plans

PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is determined to take forward the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) project even though it is facing criticism from political parties.
The civic administration, in its written reply to a question from corporator Vijaya Wadkar, has defended the BRTS project. The written questions and answers will be discussed in the general body meeting this week.
Officials have categorically stated that BRTS is helping solve the city's traffic problem. "Till date, the PMC has completed BRTS works on Katraj-Swargate-Hadapsar, Sangamwadi Road, Alandi Road and Ahmednagar Road. Work on other roads is in progress," stated the administration which plans to implement the project on 29 roads.
The PMC launched the pilot BRTS on the 17km Katraj-Swargate-Hadapsar corridor in December 2006. The project ran into trouble with experts saying it had been implemented hastily and without proper planning. The project is now in a shambles, with many construction works in progress on the corridor.
The civic body says it is focusing on the 16km Vishrantwadi-Wagholi BRTS project (on Alandi Road and Pune-Ahmednagar Road). There has been severe public opposition to the project because of the traffic congestion on the Pune-Ahmednagar and Alandi Roads. Road safety issues have also cropped up.
All parties, especially the local BJP unit, had repeatedly opposed the BRTS saying that it has reduced the width of the roads, causing more congestion and accidents.
In fact, BRTS was one issue that had united all parties during the assembly elections. Candidates had promised voters that they will put pressure on the PMC and the government to scrap the system.
However, the Modi government's 'smart city' scheme has come up with a plan to encourage public transport systems like BRTS and has insisted that cities must have non-motorised transport in place if they want to participate in the scheme. This has put elected representatives in a tight spot.