Govt to come up with traffic plan for 7 cities

The state Urban Development department has proposed the name of Delhi-based Urban Mass Transit Company Limited (UMTC) for appointment as consultant to prepare the plans. “The proposal to finalise UMTC as consultant has been sent for the Cabinet’s approval,” said Alok Ranjan,Principal Secretary of the state Urban Development department.

The consultant will suggest measures required to reduce traffic congestion on busy routes and control pollution. This will help in improving urban transport system in these cities,he added.

The CMP of Mathura and Agra will be prepared by March 31 — it will be done on priority in wake of the Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in October in New Delhi. Moreover,as these cities are popular tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh,officials believe that those who will visit Delhi for the Games will also visit Agra and Mathura.

“Mobility plans will suggest the steps required to provide convenient transportation to visitors in these two towns. These steps could be; increase in the number of buses and removal of encroachment from roads,” said an official.

The consultant will study the existing traffic density and transport facilities available on various routes in these seven cities. In the mobility plan,it will signify separate zones on the road for different kind of transport services including buses,rickshaws,bicycle,two-wheelers and four-wheelers. It will also earmark pedestrian walking zones on roadsides.

Depending upon the traffic density in a particular area,new routes would be decided for taxis and buses. Locations would also be identified where construction of new crossings are required.

To improve public transport in these seven cities,the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation is purchasing 1,310 low-floor buses at a cost of Rs 326 crore made available by the Centre. So far,over 65 buses have been purchased.