The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee on Monday unveiled a comprehensive transportation plan for the Games that will be operational between September 23 and October 17.
As many as 1,485 cars, 275 vans and 2,474 buses will be pressed into service to ferry VIPs, officials, athletes, media, volunteers and spectators to and from the venues.
The transportation service has been graded into five tiers: 485 dedicated cars have been set apart for as many VIP's attending the event; 1,000 shared cars for 3,000 Games' family members; 349 air-conditioned buses for athletes; 125 AC buses for media and 100 for technical officials; and 1,900 buses to operated by the DTC for volunteers, spectators and workforce for the Games. An additional 275 vans will be deployed at the Games Village for the use of athletes.
The OC is estimating 3,500 Games families including VIPs, 1,250 technical officials, 7,500 athletes, 3,000 media personnel and a work force numbering 2,200 to use the transportation service offered by it. Besides DTC buses, the OC expects spectators to also rely on the Delhi Metro service for their transportation needs.
Addressing presspersons, Commonwealth Games Special Director-General Jiji Thomson said elaborate arrangements have been made for the smooth running of transport service. “We are confident of providing reliable and efficient transport for athletes, spectators, workforce and the media,” Mr. Thomson said.
Tata Motors is providing a fleet of new 1,800 cars and SUVs, back up services, 3,000 drivers and support staff which will be deployed at the venues and depots. OC's Transportation head Ashish Kumar said the total cost to Tata Motors is Rs.34 crore, of which OC will pay Rs.10 crore while Rs.24 crore has been waived by Tata Motors as sponsorship amount.
“We have trained drivers who can meet any eventuality. All the cars are GPS-enabled. The drivers will also be given mobile phones. Tatas will provide recovery and standby vehicles. A control room has been set up which will be in constant touch with the Delhi Police and drivers,” said Mr. Ashish Kumar.
The drivers have also been given lessons in English and will wear badges displaying “I can speak English” for the benefit of international visitors.
