Sheila pushes for better Delhi-NCR public transport system

New Delhi, May 24 (UNI) Saying her government has been consciously taking up projects that in future facilitate faster movement of commuters between Delhi and neighbouring state in the National Capital Region, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today sought a reciprocal action from the NCR states to improve road connectivity from their side.

Speaking at the 29th meeting of the NCR Planning Board here, she also requested the NCRPB to take initiative for co-ordinate of this important activity.

Ms Dikshit said she was heartened to note that governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana had agreed to participate in the extension of metro to Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurgaon.

However, one very important regional rail based project, Integrated Rail cum Bus Transit System (IRBT) had not yet been able to take off despite Delhi government's eagerness to participate in it, she added.

This project would greatly help in incentivising the people to use public transport in preference to private vehicles for commuting to their place of work, the chief minister said.

The IRBT would also integrate with the existing and proposed metro lines for the efficient movement of passengers bound for different destinations by offering multi-modal dispersal systems, she added.

''We had financed the feasibility report of IRBT and it is learnt that the project is awaiting the final approval of the Planning Commission. I would request NCRPB to pro-actively get this project approved and rolling as early as possible.'' My government realised the importance of providing faster and improved connectivity between Delhi and NCR. In this regard, we were already contemplating/working on improving/widening of key roads leading to bordering towns/suburbs, Ms Dikshit stated.

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