Recently, we got a communication from the Transport Department to the effect that battery powered three wheelers can be given permission to ply by local authorities, according to a recent judgment of the Kolkata High Court. We are taking legal advice on this but I have been in favour of pollution-free e-Rickshaws in New Town but was advised that there are legal issues under the Motor Vehicles Act. After this communication of Transport Department, and after getting legal advice, we will place it in the NKDA board meeting for approval and decision. On approval, NKDA may start giving permissions. This will solve the last mile connectivity problem without creating pollution. This will be consistent with New Town's effort to pose itself as a clean smart solar city.
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Some time ago, we got a letter from Ministry of Urban Development, Govt of India, vide their letter no. K-14011/ 29/ 2012-UT-IV/ Coord to the effect that in order to bring down road accidents in urban roads, the Progressive J and Writers Society Journalists has brought out a Driving Guide. This is available at
www.pjaws.in . I just went through it, and as a driving licence holder myself, I found it quite informative. In particular, the section on accidents (what to do when you accidentally car bump into another car?) was really good and learnt a few things. I give below a screenshot of the page:
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Here are a few clippings from today's papers:
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| Anandabazar dt 17.8.2014 |
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| Ebela dt 17.8.2014 |
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| Times of India dt 17.8.2014 |
e-rickshaws for the interior roads of New town would really help in the last mile connectivity. But please ensure that they are strictly forbidden from plying on the major arterial roads. This is for the safety of the e-rickshaw driver/passengers as well as to keep traffic flowing on the major arterial roads at a smooth pace.
ReplyDeleteAlso, to encourage car and two-wheeler owners to use public transport more (thereby reducing congestion, pollution etc.) please plan to set-up park and ride facilities along the major arterial road. Ideally these should be multi-level parking structures located near upcoming metro stations. Car / two wheeler parking should be chargeable but bicycle parking should be free. This would also help a lot towards achieving that missing "last mile connectivity".