Govt set to roll out mega bus project

Aptly named as Bus Route Road Improvement Plan (BRRIP), the Rs 40,000-crore project is estimated to cover about 13,000 km bus route in the next three years.

Urban Development Ministry, the nodal ministry for execution of the project, has prepared the draft of the BRRIP to be presented before the new cabinet for its approval.

The BRRIP has been formulated to promote the public transport system as part of the rapid infrastructure development plan in cities and towns.

"Though 14,000 buses have been sanctioned by the government under JNNURM for various cities, there are no adequate roads," said a senior Urban Development official, adding "even the conditions of the existing roads are also pathetic."

There is a need for better roads in cities and towns for the smooth passage of public transport.

Besides the well constructed bus lane, the bus route corridor will also have separate track for cyclists and pedestrians under the BRRIP.

According to the initial estimate, it would cost about Rs 3 crore for one km bus route.

The Ministry has emphasised on urban public transport which is currently not in good health in many cities.

The Ministry also wants to focus on better urban planning at city level.

Extension of JNNURM programme, introduction of Metro rail in different cities, development of satellite towns and finding resources for all these schemes are some of the priorities of the ministry.

Since finding resources for its ambitious programmes is posing a major challenge, the ministry has made an attempt to avail World Bank soft loan for its infrastructure development schemes, said the official.

Talks are on with the World Bank for availing Rs 25,000 crore as soft loan and the Secretary of the ministry had gone to Washington recently to discuss the issue with the bank authorities, the official added.

The completion of Commonwealth Games projects in time is also a priority for the ministry.

The Ministry is constantly monitoring the progress of the work in Games Village and construction and renovation of various stadia in the city, said the official.