Bus Rapid System gets Govt nod - Hubli-Dharwad included

Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/171140/bus-rapid-system-gets-govt.html

The State Cabinet on Thursday approved the scheme for introducing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system proposed in the recent budget with a nominal outlay of Rs 25 crore.

Aimed at offering seamless travel through on dedicated bus lanes, there are proposals of introducing the system in Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli and Dharwad. Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Higher Education Minister V S Acharya said a 30-km corridor between Silk Board Junction and Hebbal has been identified in Bangalore for introducing BRT at an estimated cost of Rs 550 crore. Similarly, the Mysore BRT will have corridors totalling 160 km at an estimated cost of Rs 1,173 crore, while the Hubli-Dharwad corridors will stretch for 31 km. Unhindered movement Stating that these dedicated bus lanes will be constructed for unhindered movement of buses, Acharya said the State might utilise funds from the Jawharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission for parts of the projects in Bangalore and Mysore. The detailed project report (DPR) for the corridor in Bangalore is ready, he said, adding: “But it is going through some modification.” The DPR for the Mysore project is under review. In Hubli and Dharwad, they said, the DPR is in the process of being prepared. “Roads are being widened in Hubli and Dharwad, and the BRT corridor will be part of this project –– with four lanes dedicated for the BRT,” he said, adding that DPR for Hubli-Dharwad was being prepared. Further, he said the Centre (Urban Development Department) has given approval in principle for the project and the same, after the completion of procedures, could be submitted to avail assistance from the World Bank, through its sustainable urban transport development scheme.