Chennai: Coming 54 km of dedicated bus lanes

Feasibility report targets Siruseri-Saidapet, Tambaram-Saidapet and Chromepet-Thoraipakam stretch under first phase

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Travelling in buses could soon be made enjoyable with the government mulling on a proposal to implement dedicated bus lanes known as bus rapid transit system in 54 km stretch of the city under the first phase.

The bus lanes, which will ensure hassle free travel without any interruption from other vehicles, is being proposed at Siruseri-Saidapet (24.8 km), Tambaram-Saidapet (18.5 km) and Chromepet-Thoraipakkam (10.6 km) stretch.

A total of 54 km stretch is likely to be covered under the first phase of Bus Rapid Transit System, according to a feasibility report submitted to the government by Institute for Transportation and Development Policy.

The feasibility report has suggested a total of 88 km dedicated bus lanes in two phases based on Bogota and Ahmedabad model. It is believed that the bus lanes are essential since they reduce conflict with slow moving vehicles, turning vehicles and parked vehicles besides reducing drivers’ fatigue.

The study revealed that Siruseri-Saidapet stretch has a capacity of 8,200 passengers per hour per direction (a measure of passengers that can pass by a point at the transit system’s maximum load). Similarly Tambaram-Saidapet has a capacity of 11,000 pphpd and Chromepet-Thoraipakam stretch has a capacity of 2,000 passengers.

The study estimates that the 24.8 km stretch between Siruseri-Saidapet will cost Rs 372 crore to be converted into BRTS. Similarly, the development of Tambaram-Saidapet stretch will cost Rs 278 crore and Chromepet-Thoraipakam could cost Rs 127 crore.

The report also suggested removing ticketing activity from the bus and instead having fare collection at the bus stations. This sort of system will be convenient for passengers once the system is integrated with other transits besides preventing monetary leakage. The report also suggested specially designed stations in middle of the road which can serve both sides besides the buses having multiple wide doors on right side. It also suggested stepless boarding to make the system accessible to all.