BRTS project may start by year-end: Officials

BEST had planned to start service on dedicated bus lanes on Mumbai-Thane
route from December last year The BEST and the MMRDA have decided to appoint
consultants to chalk out the modalities of the two BRTS projects.
DHAVAL KULKARNI

THE ambitious Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) project, which was supposed to
start in December 2006, may see the light of day late in 2007.
Officials said that though the actual project was getting off the ground
late, it was being done so that the State government and the agencies
concerned could ensure better planning for the project. It would, in turn,
enable better public transport and connectivity.

The BEST had planned to start the service, which was aimed at ensuring fast
conveyance on dedicated bus lanes on the 26-kilometre long Mumbai-Thane
route from December 15, 2006. However, the imposition of the code of con
duct for the civic elections had delayed it. Another BRTS project has been
planned from Kalanagar in Bandra to Dahisar.

Now, the BEST and the MMRDA have decided to appoint consultants to chalk out
the modalities of the two BRTS projects. This was decided at a meeting
attended by officials from the MMRDA, BEST and the State transport
department on Tuesday.

Said GS Gill, Principal Secretary, Transport: "The MMRDA will appoint a
consultant to study and suggest the engineering design and construction.
After the consultant submits his feasibility report, the BEST will appoint a
consultant to suggest the operations, bus routes, route rescheduling and the
design of the buses." Added PRK Murthy, chief, Transport and Communication,
MMRDA: "The core group set up by the All India Institute of Local Self
Government (AIILSG), will decide the terms of reference (TOR), after which
we will issue the bids and appoint the consultants." The core group consists
of officials from the MMRDA, BEST, AIILSG and the BMC, among others.



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