24.1.14

5 TN cities want BRTS

With roads choked with private vehicles and demand for better road infrastructure growing, civic bodies of five cities in Tamil Nadu — Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Salem and Tirupur — have sought help from the state government to introduce exclusive BRTS (bus rapid transit system) corridors and better traffic management systems.
The initial study undertaken to improve public transport, non-motorized transport and travel management plans for the next five years has estimated an expense of Rs.3,974 crore. The commissioners revealed ambitious plans that included colour-coded pavements for heritage sites, cycle-sharing stations, footpaths, exclusive pedestrian zones, parking zones, greenways and cycle tracks and additional buses to improve public transport. The plans have been evolved with the support of ITDP, a non-profit advocacy, research and project-implementing agency.
“Upon prioritisation, some of the projects can be introduced in the coming budget,” municipal administration secretary Phaninadra Reddy later told media persons during a workshop on sustainable cities through transportation.
Coimbatore roads have 38% share of private vehicles, which is likely to shoot up to 46%. The city has insufficient bus services at peak hours and poor bus terminals.

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