JOIN US In order to ensure last-mile connectivity for Metro commuters, the traffic police want Delhi Metro to provide designated parking space for autorickshaws at upcoming stations in the third phase of construction.
According to traffic police officers, they will approach the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMCRC) to incorporate designated space in the transit area, which can be used by autorickshaw drivers as ‘halt and go’ points.
The traffic police will send a formal proposal on this to DMRC soon. “Easy availability of autorickshaws at Metro stations will improve last-mile connectivity. We will discuss the issue with the Metro management,” said additional commissioner of police (traffic) Anil Shukla.
“Since construction of third phase has just begun, we will request DMRC to provide additional space in the transit area so that drivers can pick and drop passengers,” said Shukla.
Such transit points will be needed at upcoming stations that are expected to see the maximum footfall, he said.
Several important marketplaces and landmarks will be on the Metro map by the time all the lines in the third phase are commissioned in 2016. Some important upcoming stations include Bhikaji Cama Place, Sarojini Nagar, INA, South Extension, Ashram, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Palam, domestic airport, Vasant Vihar, Munirka, RK Puram, IIT, Hauz Khas, Panchsheel Park, Chirag Delhi, GK Enclave, Nehru Place, Janpath, ITO, Delhi Gate, Jama Masjid and Lal Quila.
The traffic police have also decided to identify new ‘halt and go’ auto stands at different locations in the city. Currently, over 300 such points have been marked in Delhi from where autorickshaw drivers can wait for a while to pick up passengers.
The traffic police will now rope in the transport department to identify more such places. “We will write to the transport commissioner to help us in identifying more halt-and-go points. Once identified, proper signages will be put up,” said Shukla.