New Scheme for Urban Transport planning approved

New Delhi, June 19 : Union Minister for Urban Development Jaipal Reddy today told the members of the Consultative Committee attached to Ministry of Urban Development that the Expenditure Finance Committee has approved a new scheme for Urban Transport planning.

The scheme, which was approved on May 27, 2008, would provide 80 per cent Central financial assistance for taking various studies and preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), launching of Public Awareness Campaigns and taking up Clean Development Mechanisms (CDMs).

Reddy further stated that this Scheme would help in the implementation of National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP) from the planning stage. It also provides for pilot studies by Government of India in certain cities with full Central Government funding.

He said the Scheme has been forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for approval.

The Minister also mentioned that a meeting of Transport Secretaries/Commissioners of National Capital Region States was held in May 2008 to finalize the draft "Reciprocal Common Transport Agreement" amongst the Governments of NCT of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh for unrestricted movement of vehicles in NCR for Goods Carriage and Stage Carriage.

He said that representatives of Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) implementing cities/states also met on May 14, 2008 at New Delhi to review the progress of the works on BRTS.

Referring to the Government's decision to initiate the process to modify some of the provisions of Master Plan of Delhi- 2021 regarding mixed land use, the Minister stated that MPD-2021 has been amended to include management professionals in the list of "Professionals" for the purpose of mixed use of residential premises.

He also referred to the Cabinet's approval of the East-West Kolkata Metro proposal with total cost of Rs. 4676 crores to be taken as a joint venture between the Centre and the State Government of West Bengal.

Shahdara-Dilshad Garden corridor (3.09 Km.) of Delhi MRTS Project Phase-II has been commissioned by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation ( DMRC) on June 3, 2008, added the Minister.

The Members expressed concern on the interminable traffic jams and high rate of accidents resulting in deaths on highways.

The members urged the minister to have Uniform Urban Transport Policy enforced throughout the country as the Centre is providing huge funds as incentives to the States for their integrated urban development.

The Minister clarified that implementation of National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP) is a state subject but assured the Members that his ministry will provide all necessary help for realization of this goal. Some Members demanded that Metro Projects should be linked with airports, Railway Stations and important places, which attract huge crowds.

ANI