Multi-mode transport system for City

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, FEB. 18. While identifying transportation as a key element in the development of the City, the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH) is chalking out a four-pronged, long-term approach to provide top-class infrastructure for making Hyderabad, the City of destination.

The measures include building the multi-mode transport system, laying of expressways, traffic system management and rationalising the density of population in certain areas.

"We want to change the entire paradigm of planning with each project being executed with an eye on the likely growth rate in the next 20 years or so, on a self-paying basis", said the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad's Commissioner, Dr. P.K. Mohanty, to newsmen here on Sunday.

Stating that road-widening was necessary as the City lacked adequate road space, he said the MCH had completed 46 such works and widening of 45 more roads was pending. Among them, works on 26 roads would be taken up in the coming summer months.

"True, there are some bottlenecks. But, contrary to the general impression in some quarters, we do have a proper coordination with the other agencies including the traffic police," he maintained, quickly adding, "perfect synchronisation, is however, not always possible."

Citing the case of the demolition of Hotel Shanbagh building in Punjagutta, the MCH Commissioner said it was a hassle-free demolition with the owner and tenants cooperating with the officials. The MCH had paid Rs. 60 lakh as compensation to the owner but got land worth Rs. 2 crore for widening. The owner would also be given some benefits in usage of FSI.

Negotiations were on with owners of a petrol station and a name plate shop on the other side of the junction for land acquisition. "Those getting benefit for usage of commercial space must give up some land for the public good," he said.

The MCH was laying stress on `Area Development Plans' near the 25 local railway stations to put in place a proper road-rail network when the multi-mode system kicks off. "We are waiting for the Union Railway budget so that their share of Rs. 35 crores (total Rs. 70 crores) would be released," said Dr. Mohanty. Linkroads, bus bays, parking slots, etc. are sought to be earmarked under this scheme on a priority basis.

The civic body is looking to rope in an expert in traffic management to guide the newly formed traffic engineering cell on the development of one-ways, signages, road-dividers, junctions, curvatures and so on. Wherever permission was given for increase in FSI, the MCH wants to do a study on the growth in the density of population so as to rationalise it.

Through this method, the MCH hopes to ensure that there is equal growth in different parts of the twin cities. A special projects cell was also set up under a senior engineer to look into the infrastructure works on a long-term basis. "Our aim is to take up at least Rs. 100 crore worth of works each year," he said.

Dr. Mohanty also vows to change the functioning of the Town Planning Cell by removing discretionary powers and fixing responsibilities. "Those who do a good job will be suitably rewarded while drastic measures will be initiated against officials who don't perform," he warned. If need be, problematic works will be privatised.

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