Singapore traffic management can be model for A.P. cities

Civic discipline is one particular area which is sure to catch the attention of visitors to island nation

The State government has entrusted the responsibility of preparation of master plan and key development plans of the proposed capital to Singapore agencies going by their reputation in planning and monitoring the execution of the plans.

But, there are several areas, including traffic management and urban administration where the State can draw inspiration from the island nation for providing better administration and amenities to its people.

The island nation, which transformed itself into one of the most liveable cities in the south east Asian region has adopted a systematic approach in traffic management, public transport systems and other areas.

A visitor to the city could see the efficient underground metro well connected to bus services, another mode of public transport, to reach any destination across the Island. Civic discipline is one particular area which is sure to catch the attention of visitors to Singapore. Absence of visible policing on traffic movement notwithstanding, incidents of traffic violations are seldom seen in the core city.

This, according to officials, was because of the hefty penalties, including cancellation of licences and barring violators from driving for a specific period.

For securing permission to drive their own car, the owners are expected to pay a hefty amount as fee while their licences are liable to be cancelled if the rating given to them drops below a certain level. “When a project is designed, more than 80 per cent of components which are not visible decide whether the project is successful or not. We plan precisely till the last mile keeping all aspects in view,” Minister for Foreign Affairs K. Shanmugam said.

The city state could sustain a high-level of service to the people despite its space constraints with anticipation and advanced planning. The number of people possessing own cars in Singapore is much higher when compared to cities like Hyderabad or Chennai, but a majority of the owners prefer public transport including the metro rail. The Centre for Liveable Cities, urban planning arm of Singapore government conceptualises the changes and planning is done at different stages. “We will collect the best ideas. We are never shy about saying we are copying the best practices,” a senior CLC official said.