Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) has given its in-principle approval for implementation of Phase-I of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) on 29.6-km-long route from Biju Patnaik Airport to Nandankanan in the capital city.
The proposed BRTS, involving an estimated investment of Rs. 568.38 crore, will seek funding under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewable Mission (JNNURM) in the Union Ministry of Urban Development. The UMTA at its last meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary J. K. Mohapatra, discussed the suggestions made by Ahmadabad-based Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT) which has been engaged as transactional advisor for implementation of BRTS in Bhubaneswar.
CEPT suggestion
The CEPT suggested taking up of Phase-I BRTS on 29.6-km-long route from Airport to Nandankanan which included the pilot phase of 13.3 km stretch from Sishu Bhawan Square to Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences via Vani Vihar, Acharya Vihar, Sainik School and Kalinga Hospital.
Phase-II project
The phase-II project will cover 34.5-km length Rajmahal Square to Apollo Hospital via Rasulgarh, Mancheswar, Chakeisiani and Kalinga Nagar to Kalinga Hospital via Sum Hospital, Jagannath Vihar and IRC Village.
DPR
The UMTA has asked the CEPT to prepare a detailed project reports with drawing and design along with cost estimates as per the Standard Of Rates 2013 immediately.
In an important decision, the UMTA suggested that BRTS stations will be developed on the median of the proposed corridors having dedicated lanes in both sides.
The CEPT has also been asked to prepare separate DPR for funding of BRTS buses as per traffic survey and demand analysis under the JNNURM.
