Vietnam officials visit Ahmedabad to study BRTS

With DaNang, the third largest city in Vietnam, being void of a public transport facility, a delegation comprising city officials were on a visit to Ahmedabad to study the Janmarg - Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS).

"With a million plus population city and a huge port, DaNang has a vibrant fishing and IT industry. As there is no public transport facility, the city is fully dependent on two wheelers. With the World Bank support, DaNang is developing public transport system in the city," said a communique from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).

The World Bank has also identified Ahmedabad as a 'Best Practice City'.

"After knowing about BRTS in Ahmedabad, the DaNang city officials expressed interest in knowing more about Ahmedabad's successful BRT and other urban development experiences," the communique further stated.

The 11 member delegation consists of senior officials from DaNang Municipal Government and the World Bank experts. The team, which had a two day workshop organized by AMC and CEPT, also met with IP Gautam, municipal commissioner, AMC. Apart from attending a two day programme, the Vietnamese team also visited BRTS control centre, depot, took a ride on BRTS, and also visited Sabarmathi Riverfront Developmnet Project.

Coordinated by Ngan Hang The Gioi, senior urban specialist, World Bank Team Coordinator, the team also comprised heads of departments, planning and investment, planning and procurement, external economic division, evaluation and quality management, alongwith Gordon Neilson, public transport consultant, World Bank.