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It is
often said that a country’s civilisational level is best
manifested on the streets of its cities. The mismanagement and
apathy of the government towards public transportation and traffic
regulation shock foreign visitors who come to Delhi. The safety
and comfort of ordinary citizens should become the focus of the
government’s transportation policy.
Today,
Delhi’s public transportation system is probably the worst among
the metropolitan cities of India and a shame for the nation. No
other sector carries such a distinct stamp of 10 years of bad
governance based on pro-rich policies. The Bus Rapid Transport (BRT),
which was imposed on the city suddenly and without any scientific
basis, has deepened the urban nightmare rather than solved it.
a) Policy on private cars
There is no need to reiterate here the unmanageable situation that
has resulted from the explosion in Delhi’s vehicle population. It
is reported that 2,500 new cars are being registered every day.
Already, Delhi has more vehicles than the quantum of all other
Indian metropolitan cities. In the near-future, cars priced at Rs
1 lakh are reported to be made available. Does the Delhi
Government or the Centre have a policy on how to tackle the
situation that would ensue when an unprecedented number of cars
clog Delhi’s limited road space? Unfortunately, the answer is no.
We must
do everything possible within the perimeter of democratic
governance to tackle the menacing car population which not only
results in traffic chaos but also air pollution. The suggestions
available from the global experience include imposing huge
taxation on car owners for both their vehicles and road-use,
withdrawing registration to cars that have completed a fixed
number of years, disallowing out-of-state registered cars from
plying in Delhi unless they meet certain terms, etc. Being out of
government, the BJP is not in a position to take a position on
these because the real data on vehicles, road space, projections,
etc. are not available to us. However, we are committed to taking
a long-term view of the problem and taking firm steps to ensure
that private car ownership goes in accordance with our larger
commitment to the environment and quality of life in Delhi.
The
views of experts from all persuasions would be taken into
consideration. Nothing will be done without proper project reports
and audits. The BRT, in its present form, will be treated as a
mistake and folded back without delay. An inquiry will be lodged
against the officials and so-called “experts” whose whims led to
the loss of Rs 1,000 crore in public funds and the loss of at
least 12 lives. The families of those killed on the “khuni” BRT
will be given adequate compensation.
b) Policy on heavy vehicles
The number of heavy vehicles operating on the streets of Delhi
during busy hours has grown by alarming proportions. There should
be proper regulation on the movement of trucks in the city,
especially those carrying chemicals, fuel and other dangerous
substances. The government’s apathy towards the safety of the
people becomes abundantly clear when we see trucks carrying steel
rods extending beyond the chases. This is not permitted in any
civilised country.
We must
take a holistic look at this problem and ensure that the movements
of heavy vehicles do not pose a hazard to citizens. Since most of
them come from other states where emission norms are not
stringently maintained, the government should ensure there are
adequate number of truck terminals outside the city.
c) Policy on mass rapid transportation
It was the BJP that set the ball rolling for Delhi’s mass
rapid transportation project, popularly known as the Metro.
However, its pace of construction and spread has not been in sync
with public demand. We must ensure that there is connectivity
between metro stations and interior areas. Buses must be withdrawn
on major routes so that the twin necessities of reducing pressure
on roads and air pollution are addressed. Rather, there should be
buses plying only between metro stations and interior areas. This
will lead to the viability of the MRT system and reduce the
government subsidy that is necessary to run it. A holistic
approach must be taken so as to link MRT use with car ownership.
The challenge before us in the second decade would be to persuade
more and more people to use public transportation instead of
private cars.
d) Students’ Specials
The linkage between schools and Delhi Metro would lead to
large-scale reduction of pollution, traffic congestion and
accidents involving children. There should be a policy wherein
buses would transfer children to Metro stations and from the
stations to the schools against a comprehensive ticket priced at a
rate much lower than the bus charges currently charged by the
schools.
Special
metro services during school hours catering only to students would
be a welcome relief for students and parents. This concept must be
fleshed out with the help of experts, school authorities and
parents. |
