PUNE: Though the new Pune Municipal Commissioner (PMC) Shekhar Gaikawad didn’t get time to introduce any new scheme in the 2020-21 budget, he has given clear indications to reintroduce old projects in new form such as review of Bus Rapid Transit Route (BRTS), expansion of Metro routes, dedicated route for two-wheelers, electrical-solar buses, ownership of dams etc.
After presenting the budget to the PMC Standing Committee, Gaikwad conducted a press conference and shared ideas which were not mentioned in the budget. He said, “Now, the time has come to review the BRTS project. In Ahmedabad, BRTS is outside the city.”
Gaikwad added, “In a city like Pune where traffic congestion is a major problem, it is impractical to provide dedicated lane to public transport. We want to make dedicated roads for two-wheelers without any signal just like Eastern freeway (in Mumbai). It will help people travel within the city in minimum time. We are spending to improve public transport.”
He said, “Now, we should think differently. There are 28 lakh two-wheelers in the city. We cannot ignore this number. We will discuss with transport experts and review BRTS as well as a dedicated route for two-wheelers.”
METRO ROUTES
On Metro rail project, Gaikwad said, “Actually, Pune needed Metro in 1950. But now we don’t have to waste time and expands the Metro network considering the future (needs). We should plan the city for the next 50 years. So, I am welcoming suggestion of corporators, citizens to expand Metro network across the city. It is an ideal time to plan a network so that we can acquire land at a reasonable amount.”
OWNERSHIP OF DAMS
“Instead of taking water through metering water from Water Resource Department, we should have to check the option to take ownership of two dams which can provide water to Pune city. We can either pay dam entire construction price to Water Resource Department or take in partnership of dams,” he added.
ELECTRIC, SOLAR BUSES IN PETH AREAS
For better transportation and solve the traffic problem, Gaikwad said, “ We will check the option to introduce electric and solar buses in Peth areas with the help of CSR (corporate social responsibility) funds. Many companies are eager to provide buses.”
