CM says BRTs on hold but PWD not aware of change

NEW DELHI: Though chief minister Sheila Dikshit has said that the implementation of the BRT was a failure and new projects have been put on hold, the reality is that the state PWD has already hired consultants RITES at an approximate fee of Rs 5 crores for two of the seven new BRT corridors under them.
Sources in the Delhi government told TOI that no communication has been given to PWD to stall or cancel the project.In fact, RITES has even submitted the inception study in the matter, and has been told to submit the full report within 30 months, counting from March this year.
These two major upcoming BRT projects — from Ghazipur to National Stadium and Anand Vihar ISBT to Connaught Place — are expected to cut across major parts of central Delhi. PWD is handling seven of the 14 upcoming BRT projects. While the rest of the corridors are yet to get a green signal, these two corridors has been cleared by the finance department, said sources.
The 11-kM stretch from the Anand Vihar ISBT to CP will go via Road number 57, Vikas Marg and Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg to reach CP near Minto Bridge, said officials. However, PWD has already anticipated problems along this corridor. At many places, the right of way (ROW) is limited as it shrinks to lesser than 45 metres width, especially along Vikas Marg, DDU Marg and ITO.
“An elevated Metro corridor already exists along Vikas Marg so BRT bus stands at center of road will not be possible, and the busy market on both sides of Vikas Marg may also cause impediments,” said a PWD official.