20.5.09

PCMC invites bids for third BRTS route

Even as work on the two proposed bus rapid transit system (BRTS) routes is still in progress, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has invited bids for a third BRTS corridor. The new 7.8 km route, between Nashik phata (Kasarwadi) and Wakad, is expected to cost over Rs 112 crore. For technical reasons, separate bids have been invited for two stretches of the corridor — one between Nashik phata and Kaspate Vasti and the other from Kaspate Vasti to Wakad. The cost of work between Nashik phata and Kaspate Vasti is over Rs 76.1 crore, while for the remaining stretch, it is over Rs 36.49 crore. The PCMC wants the work to be completed within one-and-a-half years. The BRTS works are being carried out as part of the civic projects under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. The work was being divided into two parts so that it can be completed in time and also because the total cost of the project was exceeding Rs 100 crore. The process of registration of contractors, calling and finalisation of tenders was expected to be completed within two to three months. Work on the first two BRTS corridors is still in progress. The first project is on the Pune-Mumbai highway, between Nigdi and Dapodi, a distance of 11 km, and the other is between Aundh and Ravet, a distance of 14.5 km.Completion of the first two projects will take time. The PCMC is planning to open the Dapodi-Nigdi stretch first as the highway widening work has almost been completed here. But creating dedicated bus lanes, putting up bus shelters and implementing the intelligent traffic system is a major task that the corporation is yet to complete. The corporation is taking all efforts to ensure that the project is complete in all aspects.
The hasty manner in which the pilot BRTS project was implemented between Hadapsar and Katraj and the criticism that followed from various quarters, has made the PCMC to go slow on its own project in the twin township. For the second BRTS corridor between Aundh and Ravet, road widening work is in progress. The work is expected to be completed within a year’s time.

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