[ad_1]
Senior IAS officer and Chief executive officer of GMDA Sudhir Rajpal spoke to TOI about the city’s mobility and infrastructure projects and plans.
The biggest criticism of Gurgaon’s plans is that it is a city built for cars. How hard is it to fix retroactively?
Development of an urban space is not limited to vehicular traffic. It incorporates all important aspects of smart city design that caters to all forms of movement and supporting infrastructure. Being a millennial city and home to the world’s leading multinational companies, Gurgaon is seen as a city built for cars, but we are trying to change this perception.
The city has seen phenomenal growth and development over the past decade. Over time, the needs and requirements of citizens keep changing, which is incorporated into all future expansion plans of the city. Recent trends support the need to design transport infrastructure and formulate a transport policy keeping all road users in mind This means fundamentally redesigning our city streets to provide improved safety for these road users, more dedicated spaces for vulnerable road users (such as pedestrians and cyclists) and to be more inclusive for all road users. Fixing this will be a bit of a challenge given the current design, but we are constantly working on these aspects and in the long term, with gradual investment and subsequent changes, we believe the way forward looks positive.
In its mobility report, GMDA Adopted a scientific approach to planning for non-motorized transport. But we don’t see enough on the ground.
We are aware of the fact that there is a sizeable population size consisting of non-motorized transport users who may not currently have proper access to the necessary infrastructure. Our scientific approach, like black spot detection and data research, shows evidence of problems and the need for change. This is being done on a priority basis to ensure results at the field level. four Model road With a total stretch of 30km, designs have already been taken which are safe for all road users. We plan to achieve 100 km of such smart street projects by 2025. Additionally, as per the Comprehensive Mobility Management Plan, 800 km of cycle tracks are envisioned by 2031 and major work is underway in this regard. A 56 km cycle track is planned for Sector 58-67 Loop connectivity of about 50km of cycle tracks in 10-12 sectors on both sides of Golf Course Road will be taken up soon. An 11km cycle track is coming up in Rampura-Pataudi project and 15km cycle track IFFCO Chuck SPR is in allocation stage.
Many roads do not have sidewalks. What is GMDA doing about this?
Pavements are being renovated and rehabilitated. Currently, more than 93 km of footpaths are being constructed along the Master Road in Gurgaon. For better pedestrian movement, GMDA will construct four foot overbridges on Golf Course Road and a pedestrian underpass at Shankar Chowk with DLF, along with four feet overbridges on and around Sheetala Mata Road. We will issue strict instructions to remove illegal encroachments on footpaths so that pedestrians are not inconvenienced.
Good, wide sidewalks are a rarity, as they are not maintained or encroached upon. Tree cover, landscaping and preventing 2-wheeler riders from using sidewalks as shortcuts can help. Is there an action plan on this matter?
In addition to building new sidewalks, the primary plan is to improve existing sidewalk infrastructure. In the next three years, one of our priorities is to de-encroach these footpaths as well as widen the footpaths which currently have insufficient space for good pedestrian comfort. We have also tied up with Rahgiri Foundation which shares the latest ideas followed globally which we incorporate into our plans. We are providing ramps to create handicap friendly footpaths, providing tactile paving to facilitate movement of visually impaired pedestrians, installing bollards to prevent movement of two wheelers. We will also look into taking necessary measures to bring proper landscaping to these footpaths.
What has been the biggest change in the city’s mobility plan since GMDA was formed?
Since the establishment of GMDA, many initiatives have been taken to increase the overall mobility factor of the city. Prior to this planning was haphazard and haphazard. Our goal now is to provide loop connections and not create fragmented flows. Interconnected infrastructure development is the major change that GMDA is bringing and even cycle tracks are being designed to bring loop connectivity. The Non-Motorized Transport Policy has been developed to reflect the needs of non-vehicular road users while implementing the Comprehensive Mobility Plan in 2019. Development and implementation of plans is an ongoing process and efforts are being made to bring about a positive change. Gurgaon mobility plan and supporting infrastructure development.
What are the major mobility infrastructure changes that people in the city will see in the next few years? Mobility is an essential component of economic and social development and is dependent on a number of factors ranging from infrastructural development to the availability of a strong public transport network. The United Nations Population Division projects that the world’s urban population will increase by more than two-thirds by 2050, putting further pressure on already overburdened road infrastructure that is struggling to keep up with increasing vehicle density.
Several projects are being undertaken in this regard. At the Rampura Road cross-section, the service road and main carriageway are being renovated which will improve connectivity to these sectors. Under the SPR project, eight flyovers will be constructed which will provide access to improved infrastructure and connectivity to more than 25 sectors along the SPR. We are also working on making it a signal free project.
As per our plan construction of various flyovers and underpasses at important junctions and projects like upgrading of Atul Kataria Chowk, MDI Chowk, Basai Chowk, etc. will help to further improve the mobility factor. Upgradation of Bakhtawar Chowk is also in the pipeline where a flyover or underpass will be integrated with a metro line to deal with the future possibility of heavy traffic flow after the opening of the IKEA store in Sector 46 at this intersection. Public transport is also being strengthened in the city to improve mobility. Improvements to the junction are also underway to reduce air and noise pollution from traffic congestion and stoppage time.
GMDA’s mobility report emphasizes the need to get more people onto the public transport grid for sustainable growth in the city. Yet, access to public transport in the new sector is very poor. How do you plan to do that? To develop a modern and user-friendly public transport system, the Haryana government has supported the implementation of the city bus service, ‘Gurugam’. Currently, there are 150 buses plying on a total of 26 routes and we are witnessing a steady increase in ridership. We have also added several customer-oriented services such as introduction of smart cards for digital payments, use of ATMs for ticketing purposes and an affordable digitized pass scheme. Our recent collaboration with Uber to facilitate seat booking through the app is another step towards improving public transport in the city. We are working towards introducing new routes and expanding bus services to new sectors.
Any plans to run high frequency feeder buses to and from metro stations like Sikandarpur and Huda City Center and IGI Airport?
Currently, the GMCBL fleet consists of 150 buses in Gurgaon and 50 in Faridabad. We are adding 50 new electric buses to our Gurgaon fleet. Additionally, once Faridabad gets their batch of electric buses, we will get back our 50 buses which will significantly expand the number of Gurgaman buses to a fleet size of 250. This will help increase new routes and improved frequencies. Additionally, these mini/midi buses will also be employed as feeder buses to help improve last-mile connectivity in high traffic areas.
Delhi is aggressively pushing to create an environment for electric vehicles. Is there a blueprint for ecosystem development in Gurgaon?
The state government recently passed the Haryana Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, 2022 in a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister as a step to boost adoption of EVs in the state. Various financial incentives and benefits will be offered to both manufacturers and consumers of electric vehicles. The policy aims to promote clean transportation and ensure environmental sustainability by reducing pollution.
The goal is to convert 100% of the bus fleet owned by state transport agencies to electric buses (battery electric vehicles or fuel cell electric vehicles) by 2029. In the first phase, 100% conversion target for bus fleet in Gurgaon and Faridabad. Scheduled by 2024. Additionally, charging infrastructure will be developed at public places and the state government will encourage private players to set up EV charging systems. We are also exploring the possibility of leasing space at Leisure Valley Parking to companies that can set up charging stations for EVs.
The extension of Metro’s Yellow Line to the old city has been under discussion for years. Of course, is it time to treat those as priority projects?
The metro expansion project is being executed by the Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation Limited. In November last year, the state cabinet had approved the final detailed project report for the Metro Rail Corridor which will have 27 elevated stations and six interchange stations from Huda City Center to key locations in Cyber City. The Center has submitted the proposal to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and it is likely to be placed before the Public Investment Board (PIB) soon. After getting clearance from PIB, it will be submitted to Union Cabinet for final approval. Meanwhile, DPR prepared for spur connection from Rejangla Chowk to Dwarka, Sector 21, New Delhi is being submitted for government approval.
The biggest criticism of Gurgaon’s plans is that it is a city built for cars. How hard is it to fix retroactively?
Development of an urban space is not limited to vehicular traffic. It incorporates all important aspects of smart city design that caters to all forms of movement and supporting infrastructure. Being a millennial city and home to the world’s leading multinational companies, Gurgaon is seen as a city built for cars, but we are trying to change this perception.
The city has seen phenomenal growth and development over the past decade. Over time, the needs and requirements of citizens keep changing, which is incorporated into all future expansion plans of the city. Recent trends support the need to design transport infrastructure and formulate a transport policy keeping all road users in mind This means fundamentally redesigning our city streets to provide improved safety for these road users, more dedicated spaces for vulnerable road users (such as pedestrians and cyclists) and to be more inclusive for all road users. Fixing this will be a bit of a challenge given the current design, but we are constantly working on these aspects and in the long term, with gradual investment and subsequent changes, we believe the way forward looks positive.
In its mobility report, GMDA Adopted a scientific approach to planning for non-motorized transport. But we don’t see enough on the ground.
We are aware of the fact that there is a sizeable population size consisting of non-motorized transport users who may not currently have proper access to the necessary infrastructure. Our scientific approach, like black spot detection and data research, shows evidence of problems and the need for change. This is being done on a priority basis to ensure results at the field level. four Model road With a total stretch of 30km, designs have already been taken which are safe for all road users. We plan to achieve 100 km of such smart street projects by 2025. Additionally, as per the Comprehensive Mobility Management Plan, 800 km of cycle tracks are envisioned by 2031 and major work is underway in this regard. A 56 km cycle track is planned for Sector 58-67 Loop connectivity of about 50km of cycle tracks in 10-12 sectors on both sides of Golf Course Road will be taken up soon. An 11km cycle track is coming up in Rampura-Pataudi project and 15km cycle track IFFCO Chuck SPR is in allocation stage.
Many roads do not have sidewalks. What is GMDA doing about this?
Pavements are being renovated and rehabilitated. Currently, more than 93 km of footpaths are being constructed along the Master Road in Gurgaon. For better pedestrian movement, GMDA will construct four foot overbridges on Golf Course Road and a pedestrian underpass at Shankar Chowk with DLF, along with four feet overbridges on and around Sheetala Mata Road. We will issue strict instructions to remove illegal encroachments on footpaths so that pedestrians are not inconvenienced.
Good, wide sidewalks are a rarity, as they are not maintained or encroached upon. Tree cover, landscaping and preventing 2-wheeler riders from using sidewalks as shortcuts can help. Is there an action plan on this matter?
In addition to building new sidewalks, the primary plan is to improve existing sidewalk infrastructure. In the next three years, one of our priorities is to de-encroach these footpaths as well as widen the footpaths which currently have insufficient space for good pedestrian comfort. We have also tied up with Rahgiri Foundation which shares the latest ideas followed globally which we incorporate into our plans. We are providing ramps to create handicap friendly footpaths, providing tactile paving to facilitate movement of visually impaired pedestrians, installing bollards to prevent movement of two wheelers. We will also look into taking necessary measures to bring proper landscaping to these footpaths.
What has been the biggest change in the city’s mobility plan since GMDA was formed?
Since the establishment of GMDA, many initiatives have been taken to increase the overall mobility factor of the city. Prior to this planning was haphazard and haphazard. Our goal now is to provide loop connections and not create fragmented flows. Interconnected infrastructure development is the major change that GMDA is bringing and even cycle tracks are being designed to bring loop connectivity. The Non-Motorized Transport Policy has been developed to reflect the needs of non-vehicular road users while implementing the Comprehensive Mobility Plan in 2019. Development and implementation of plans is an ongoing process and efforts are being made to bring about a positive change. Gurgaon mobility plan and supporting infrastructure development.
What are the major mobility infrastructure changes that people in the city will see in the next few years? Mobility is an essential component of economic and social development and is dependent on a number of factors ranging from infrastructural development to the availability of a strong public transport network. The United Nations Population Division projects that the world’s urban population will increase by more than two-thirds by 2050, putting further pressure on already overburdened road infrastructure that is struggling to keep up with increasing vehicle density.
Several projects are being undertaken in this regard. At the Rampura Road cross-section, the service road and main carriageway are being renovated which will improve connectivity to these sectors. Under the SPR project, eight flyovers will be constructed which will provide access to improved infrastructure and connectivity to more than 25 sectors along the SPR. We are also working on making it a signal free project.
As per our plan construction of various flyovers and underpasses at important junctions and projects like upgrading of Atul Kataria Chowk, MDI Chowk, Basai Chowk, etc. will help to further improve the mobility factor. Upgradation of Bakhtawar Chowk is also in the pipeline where a flyover or underpass will be integrated with a metro line to deal with the future possibility of heavy traffic flow after the opening of the IKEA store in Sector 46 at this intersection. Public transport is also being strengthened in the city to improve mobility. Improvements to the junction are also underway to reduce air and noise pollution from traffic congestion and stoppage time.
GMDA’s mobility report emphasizes the need to get more people onto the public transport grid for sustainable growth in the city. Yet, access to public transport in the new sector is very poor. How do you plan to do that? To develop a modern and user-friendly public transport system, the Haryana government has supported the implementation of the city bus service, ‘Gurugam’. Currently, there are 150 buses plying on a total of 26 routes and we are witnessing a steady increase in ridership. We have also added several customer-oriented services such as introduction of smart cards for digital payments, use of ATMs for ticketing purposes and an affordable digitized pass scheme. Our recent collaboration with Uber to facilitate seat booking through the app is another step towards improving public transport in the city. We are working towards introducing new routes and expanding bus services to new sectors.
Any plans to run high frequency feeder buses to and from metro stations like Sikandarpur and Huda City Center and IGI Airport?
Currently, the GMCBL fleet consists of 150 buses in Gurgaon and 50 in Faridabad. We are adding 50 new electric buses to our Gurgaon fleet. Additionally, once Faridabad gets their batch of electric buses, we will get back our 50 buses which will significantly expand the number of Gurgaman buses to a fleet size of 250. This will help increase new routes and improved frequencies. Additionally, these mini/midi buses will also be employed as feeder buses to help improve last-mile connectivity in high traffic areas.
Delhi is aggressively pushing to create an environment for electric vehicles. Is there a blueprint for ecosystem development in Gurgaon?
The state government recently passed the Haryana Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, 2022 in a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister as a step to boost adoption of EVs in the state. Various financial incentives and benefits will be offered to both manufacturers and consumers of electric vehicles. The policy aims to promote clean transportation and ensure environmental sustainability by reducing pollution.
The goal is to convert 100% of the bus fleet owned by state transport agencies to electric buses (battery electric vehicles or fuel cell electric vehicles) by 2029. In the first phase, 100% conversion target for bus fleet in Gurgaon and Faridabad. Scheduled by 2024. Additionally, charging infrastructure will be developed at public places and the state government will encourage private players to set up EV charging systems. We are also exploring the possibility of leasing space at Leisure Valley Parking to companies that can set up charging stations for EVs.
The extension of Metro’s Yellow Line to the old city has been under discussion for years. Of course, is it time to treat those as priority projects?
The metro expansion project is being executed by the Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation Limited. In November last year, the state cabinet had approved the final detailed project report for the Metro Rail Corridor which will have 27 elevated stations and six interchange stations from Huda City Center to key locations in Cyber City. The Center has submitted the proposal to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and it is likely to be placed before the Public Investment Board (PIB) soon. After getting clearance from PIB, it will be submitted to Union Cabinet for final approval. Meanwhile, DPR prepared for spur connection from Rejangla Chowk to Dwarka, Sector 21, New Delhi is being submitted for government approval.
[ad_2]
Source link