Pune's BRTS update

Stating that the pilot Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) corridor in Pune is still just a “dedicated bus lane service”, union joint secretary (Urban Development department) S K Lohia said that improvements on the corridor are expected by June 30. After visiting the BRTS cycle tracks, Lohia expressed satisfaction about the cycle track work. “As compared to my last visit, a lot of work has been done. Quite a lot of stretch is completed. I am sure it will take a proper shape in a few months,” Lohia said. When asked about the accidents on the BRTS route, Lohia said that the problem occurs because the project is yet to be properly implemented. “The work that has been completed can be termed as ‘dedicated bus lane service’ as the other components of a BRTS project like route rationalisation, intelligent traffic management services are yet to be implemented. According to the report that I have received, the accidents on the route have infact reduced.” “I travelled in a bus through the route today and spoke to commuters. People are certainly satisfied with the services,” Lohia said. He added that orders have been issued to complete ITES in the next couple of months and procure buses by June 30. “We have decided that two types of buses — low-floor AC and normal non-AC buses — should be purchased. Changes will be seen after these buses start running,” Lohia said, adding that the work on the corridor will be review in the next one month. Municipal commissioner Pravinsinh Pardeshi, development engineer Shrinivas Bonala and representatives of various NGOs Jugal Rathi also visited the cycle tracks on cycles.