Panel to study increased traffic during odd-even phase II

Taking cognizance of reports of heavy traffic during odd-even phase two, the Delhi government on Saturday formed a six-member panel to study the reason for more vehicles on the roads.

Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai said it has been observed that more number of vehicles are plying on Delhi roads during the odd-even Part Two. The School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) in its primary report also said that traffic has increased on the city roads.

"To analyse the traffic situation in the city, I have ordered to constitute a six-member committee. This committee will also assess the side effect of keeping schools open during the phase and of the hot summer in contributing to more cars on the city roads," Rai said.

The SPA's study reveals that private vehicular traffic in the city increased during the second leg of the odd-even scheme, which kicked off on April 15 and will end on April 30.

The second phase of the road rationing scheme has seen an increase of almost 50 percent in the share of private cars plying on the road, compared to the first phase in January.

According to the SPA report, near Indraprastha Metro station and Lodhi Road, the percentage increase in private vehicles was 36 percent and 41 percent respectively.

In Maharani Bagh and Gurgaon Expressway, the increase in the share of private vehicles was 42 percent and 48 percent, respectively.

SPA had conducted its study at eight places where heavy traffic is usually reported. Such places include Anand Vihar, Indraprastha, Punjabi Bagh, Ring Road (near Bhikaji Cama Place), Maharani Bagh, Mandir Marg, Gurgaon Expressway and Lodhi Road.

Rai said the committee will be headed by Special Commissioner (transport) K.K. Dahiya. The other members of the committee are Deputy CGM, DTC, Anuj Sinha, Special CEO DIMTS C.K. Goel, DCP Traffic (Central) A.K. Singh, Executive Director (Operations) DMRC Vikas Kumar and Additional Director Education Sunita Kaushik.

"The committee will study the reasons for more number of vehicles on Delhi roads and examine the available data till April 30. After analyzing the data and factors the committee will submit its report along with suggestions by May 5," Rai said.

Rai also said there have been reports of lack of coordination among traffic officials, enforcement wing people and civil defence volunteers in dealing with the traffic situation.

"I have formed a three-member committee headed by Special CP (Traffic) Sandeep Goel which will look into such affairs and ensure that there is no lack of coordination among traffic cops, civil defence volunteers and enforcement wing," he said.

--IANS

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