BRTS project in Amritsar to be inaugurated on October 15: Sidhu

Punjab Local Government Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu today said the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) project in Amritsar would be inaugurated on October 15.

The minister held a high-level meeting today and took stock of various aspects of the project.

In the meeting, it was decided that BRTS buses would provide free travel for all for the first three months and for school students it would be free always, Sindhu said, adding Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had given the green signal to put this project, initiated by the previous government at a cost of Rs 500 crore, back on track.

According to an official statement, the meeting in Amritsar was attended by Education and Environment Minister O P Soni, Lok Sabha MP from Amritsar Gurjit Singh Aujla, Amritsar Mayor Karamjit Singh Rintu, MLA Dr Raj Kumar Verka and others.

Giving details about the BRTS project, Sidhu said the 31 km route would have 47 bus stations, out of which six stations and one big bus stand are still under completion.

The government is not eyeing revenue generation from this project, instead focusing on the comfort of the people, he said, adding after six to seven months appropriate modifications would be made depending on people's response.

At the meeting, Sidhu, while touching upon the issue of autorickshaws causing pollution and hindrance to the BRTS project, said nobody's source of livelihood would be snatched away, instead loan would be provided to for running CNG or battery-operated autorickshaws, thereby reducing pollution.

About traffic problem in Amritsar city, he said that the newly built Bhandari Bridge, as part of the BRTS project, would be opened for traffic next week.

On the issue of illegal colonies, Sidhu said the one-time settlement would be considered in the cabinet meeting but no relief would be given to any illegal construction done after March 31.

He also made it clear that people would not be allowed to encroach upon the government lands.