Fresh from the experience of Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Plan-2031 on land use, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has now decided to put in place a clear and well-defined plan to address the transportation needs of coming years.
The idea of a transportation master plan (TMP) is likely to be mooted at the next meeting of the Unified Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Umta), tentatively scheduled for July.
Using the data and analysis being generated for the comprehensive transportation study (CTS), the master plan is proposed as a guiding post for road planning, traffic and transportation needs of the present and also the future, an official said.
In a sense the TMP will take into account the existing road lengths and conditions and come up with a network plan that could solve the transportation issues of present and infrastructure needs of the future.
“It will be a document which apart from listing out the available road network, will also come up with a blueprint to be followed in the coming years,” says Metropolitan Commissioner Neerabh Kumar Prasad.
The master plan will compile and plan every detail -- from where an expressway is required or an arterial road is needed to the corridors for BRTS and Metro Rail to junctions that need flyovers. The length and width of a road in a particular stretch to adding facilities for parking of vehicles and infrastructure for pedestrians in the form of footpath and road-crossings will get documented.
It is proposed to make Umta, which has representation from all departments associated with issues of transportation, as the coordinating body for TMP.
The draft master plan on consent from the Umta will be put for discussion with stakeholders like GHMC, R&B and RTC, seeking suggestions and objections.
More powers to Umta
Once the TMP is approved and notified, Umta will have powers to guide and direct all the related departments on what works to be taken up.
Mr. Prasad, who came up with the concept, says the master plan will ensure an integrated transportation development in the city and the new areas emerging alongside.
