‘Selection of transport system should be based on feasibility’
There should be integration of bus service with the Metro service so that people avoid private vehicles, says advisor to UP government
LUCKNOW: Selection of a transport system should be based upon feasibility and future requirement but not merely on passion or imitation. And cities with cultural history need to think more while selecting their transport system, said experts at a workshop ‘Redesigning and Reimaging Streets for all’ on Saturday.
“Mass transport is developed not for today or tomorrow but for years to come. Hence, selection from among the options has to be done according to the future need and to be developed at indigenous level,” said OP Agrawal, CEO, World Resources Institute (WRI) India that conducted the workshop.
Keshav S Varma, advisor to the UP government, said a good option is dedicated bus route for Metro or integration of bus service with Metro so that people avoid private vehicles.
“Seoul and Singapore have the best examples of integrated transport system. When you go to Charbagh, you cannot see the magnificent building due to Metro. So, places with cultural heritage need to think more on selection of transport system,” he added.
In India, population growth between 1981 and 2011 was 77% but the vehicular growth was 2,500%. In New Delhi, vehicles doubled between 2012 and 2012.
“We made flyovers, widened roads and made roads over roads, but congestion remains the same as public transport didn’t develop the way it should have. The Kochi Metro rail ferries some 30,000 people a day and in New Delhi the number is 22 lakh. Up to 80,000 passengers can travel in a Metro every hour. When making a Metro this utility fulfillment should be the focus,” said Agrawal.
Varma said the FAR (floor area ratio) (people living in a limited place) should be increased around metro so that more people use the service. “In Ahmedabad, we raised FAR from 1.3 to 3 and in Singapore at some places around metro station FAR is up to 25. This is necessary to cut travel by private vehicles,” said Varma.
“If there is a possibility, the government can bring in strict land use and develop cities giving transport a priority. This means expansion of the city be done but first transport is developed and then economic activity is brought in on the same route to make people commute on the transport corridor developed by the state, thereby optimising public transport. If there is a possibility, the government can bring in strict land use and develop cities giving transport a priority. This means expansion of the city be done but first transport is developed and then economic activity is brought in on the same route to make people commute on the transport corridor developed by the state, thereby optimising public transport.
“This is possible in UP,” said OP Agrawal, CEO, World Resources Institute (WRI) India.
This is possible in Uttar Pradesh,” said Agrawal.