JOIN USThe idea of Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) is yet to sink in the City though it has come in handy in tackling traffic chaos Delhi, Ahmedabad and Indore.
The proposal mooted seven years ago reached a decisive phase in 2007 when a Comprehensive Traffic and Transport Plan (CTTP) was prepared with specific recommendations to have BRTS corridors in the City.
Blame it on the lack of coordination between government agencies (Department of Urban Land Transport, BDA, BBMP, BMTC and Traffic police) or the lack of political will, the project continues to remain on paper.
According to sources, the government accorded its in principle approval to the project only recently and it has still a long way to go.
DULT Commissioner Manjula V told Deccan Herald that the project was still in its pre-feasibility stage and has to cross several stages before implementation.
The BRTS comprises dedicated lanes for Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses along with signal-free corridors and flyovers.
To begin with, the previous BJP government had granted Rs 500 crore for the project, which however is still at the planning stage.
Significant changes
The project underwent significant changes even in its primary stages.
Earlier, the BRTS was planned along the Outer Ring Road - providing dedicated lanes for heavy transport vehicles and BMTC buses.
However, owing to escalation in project cost, the plan was narrowed down to providing dedicated lanes solely for BMTC buses.
According to sources, no funds had been granted to commence the ground work for BRTS and only a report had been prepared including an agreement with the BDA to provide for BRTS on the 12 newly built flyovers.