IRF calls for stalling of BRT corridor project

New Delhi, Apr 21 (UNI) The Geneva-based International Road Federation (IRF) has expressed scepticism over the feasibility of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor going through trial runs and urged for immediate stalling of the project.

''The BRT corridor project in Delhi is the first project in the world which has been started without a detailed project report. The concern of other road users has to be first thought of before starting such a project,'' said K K Kapila, Vice Chairman, International Road Federation (IRF).

He said the entire road stretch where, the project has been implemented in South Delhi has only four lanes (two on both sides), one lane on both sides was fully being dedicated to the BRT while the lakhs of motorists and two-wheeler users commuting daily on this stretch have been given a raw deal as only one lane on both sides is dedicated to them.

This has also divided South Delhi into two parts as it will become difficult for lakhs of residents on both sides to cross to each others side.

The pedestrians and cyclists have no space left for use, despite that there are more than 50 per cent of road users in the capital, he added.

Pradip Chaturvedi, former Chairman, Safety and Quality forum, Institute of Engineers said,''Road Safety Audit is mandatory worldwide for each phase of road development, including project preparation, implementation and operation. In the BRT, this has totally been given a go by.'' The dedicated corridor will create more traffic chaos and unless a separate route like the Metro is developed, it is no use having the BRT system on the existing roads, as most of the time, this corridor will remain unused, he said.

UNI MMG SBC RK2031