[Assam] Rs 100 cr to cure traffic malaise

[Pradip Kumar Datta]

        Rs 100 cr to cure traffic malaise
    A STAFF REPORTER                July 30: Finally, some good news for travellers who have been constantly suffering as a result of severe traffic congestion in the city. 
  With Dispur’s initiative to take up an ambitious Rs 100-crore project to improve the roads, the road network is all set for a major makeover. The project will include improvement of intersections and carriageways to tide over problems like traffic congestion and inadequate number of roads.
  Commissioner and secretary of Guwahati development department (GDD) A.K. Bhutani said the project, aimed at improving the city’s road network, would also involve construction of some new roads. 
  He said the funds for the project would be mobilised by the government from different sources. One of the primary objectives of this project, to be executed by the roads division of the public works department (PWD), is to reduce the burden of ever-increasing vehicular traffic on some of the important arterial roads like GS Road and GNB Road. 
  The likely benefits of the project would be saving on vehicle-operating cost and reducing travel time. 
  Under this scheme, Dispur has proposed the construction of a new road connecting Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) at Bhangagarh with Kahilipara via Narakasur Hill, a road from TC School point to Uzanbazar through the abandoned railway track, a road connecting Noonmati Sector-I with Joypur at Kharghuli and the construction of a flyover at Bharalumukh. 
  The construction of a road along the railway track from Bharalumukh to Panbazar is also being considered by the government. 
  In a report prepared by the chief engineer of PWD (roads) some months ago, it was stated that an estimated amount of Rs 300 crore is required for the overall improvement of roads and bridges in the city. 
  . This would include widening the roads, conversion of timber bridges to RCC, construction of roadside drains, footpaths, central verge and improvement of the road surface with bituminous macadam. 
  The total length of the roads in the city under the PWD is 402 km, of which 2.23 km is six-lane, 47.73 km is four-lane, 6.15 km is three-lane, 101.17 km is two-lane and the rest are single lane. 
  The city’s road transport is suffering from multiple problems like rapid increase in personalised modes of transport, heterogeneous traffic, grossly inadequate road network, traffic congestion, delay in travel time and environmental pollution. 
  “Considering the importance of road sector in the city, some important roads need immediate improvement with possible options like capacity augmentation, good riding quality, road side pucca drainage and conversion of semi-permanent timber bridges to RCC,” a PWD engineer said. 
  As part of its efforts to ease traffic-related problems in the city, the government had also taken a decision to construct three multistoreyed parking plazas at three places in the city — Ambari near TC School, Textbook Corporation ground at Panbazar and the area near Assam State Transport Corporation bus terminus at Paltan Bazar. 
  Moreover, an amount of Rs 841 crore has been earmarked in the city development plan (CDP) to improve the city’s transport system. This plan was then submitted to the Centre for sanctioning funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. 
  According to the GDD, the amount will be spent to provide a modern integrated transportation system, which will provide the citizens an efficient and cost effective travel option. 
  The action plan in the CDP includes road network improvement, strengthening and widening of roads, logistic hub, parking lots and intra-city bus terminus.
http://telegraphindia.com/1060731/asp/guwahati/story_6544903.asp
 		
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