Needs of China BRT system different from Delhi's: Dikshit

  • 03/06/2008

  • Pioneer (New Delhi)

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit attributed the success of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in China to the discipline of the Chinese. Dikshit, after returning from her week-long visit from China, said, Chinese strictly follow traffic rules and regulations. "The two models cannot be compared as the needs are different. They (BRT in China) are entirely different systems. For instance, bus lanes are on the sides of the corridor while for cycles there is a separate track, which is at times used by cart pullers as well. The traffic is very disciplined. Unlike in Delhi, they do not allow two wheelers and rickshaws to ply on the BRT route. There are no dividers but the lanes are separated through a prominently painted line," she said. The Chief Minister further said that Moolchand to Delhi Gate route "is based on China model but with some minor changes." Dikshit, who visited the Chinese Capital on a four-day trip and saw the Olympic Games venues as well as the BRT corridor. Dikshit, however, ruled out banning two-wheelers and rickshaw from Delhi's BRT corridor as was being done in China, saying that it was not a feasible step. "We have to consider the ground realities. We have to adapt according to our needs. Once the Moolchand to Delhi Gate stretch is complete, we will evaluate it with the stretch connecting Ambedkar Nagar and Moolchand," said Dikshit. "Then, as per commuter feedback we will go ahead with our other proposed five corridors," she said. The State Government has been facing flak over traffic chaos on the 5.6 km long route stretching from Ambedkar Nagar to Moolchand. It has forced the Government to change its strategy for the remaining 8-km long corridor joining Moolchand to Delhi Gate. Impressed by the "meticulous planning" that had gone into preparations for the Beijing Olympics, Dikshit said, "We will try to follow the same to make the Commonwealth Games a success." For any comments, queries or feedback, kindly mail us at pioneerletters@yahoo.co.in