BRT corridor not irrational,it should stay: High Court

“Even if we were to accept the argument that with the implementation of BRT corridor some inconvenience is being caused,we have to keep in mind that planning is always long-term,” the court said.

The bench highlighted the fact that the use of public transport was the way ahead for the city.

“There is no scope to expand the existing roads. The population of Delhi is on the rise. We see no escape from the fact that the citizens of Delhi have to,one day or the other,use public transport. It cannot be said that implementation of BRT corridors is an irrational decision,” the bench said.

The petitioner,NGO Nyaya Bhoomi,had argued that the time of the people travelling in cars was precious and it was being wasted because of the traffic jams.

“(It) is too egalitarian an argument… Besides,these wealth creators,we are sure,would like to live in a developed country and a developed country is not one where the poor own cars. It is the one where the rich use public transport,” the bench said.

After examining a report by Central Road Research Institute,which criticised the BRT corridor,the bench said the problem lay on the 90-metre stretch from Sheikh Sarai to Chirag Dilli. This is where traffic from Saket joins the BRT stretch. The court asked the Delhi government to take remedial action.

Waste of time

Petition BRT is aimed at harassing commuters and a “complete wastage” of public money. Precious time of people travelling in cars is wasted.

Govt It cannot be assumed that the time of people in cars is more precious than that of bus passengers.

Court “The argument that those who create wealth travel on roads by cars and their time is precious is too egalitarian … A developed country is not one where the poor own cars. It’s one where rich use public transport”

CRRI report

Petition CRRI found that traffic movement was more “efficient” without BRT

Govt CRRI report quotes statistics to show that buses travel faster on the corridor.

Court The problem is on the 90-m stretch from Sheikh Sarai to Chirag Dilli. The Delhi government should take remedial measures

Traffic Jams

Petition Most of the time,the bus lane remains free,while lanes meant for other vehicles have long traffic jams

Govt If other vehicles travel on the bus lane,the idea loses its sanctity. There are several BRT projects waiting for approval in Delhi and in other parts of the country. It is recognised as the future road management policy.

Court Project was conceived with long-term view,and a few problems will occur along the way