Riding on Metro’s success story

Turning Delhi's public transport system around and improving infrastructure by building new roads and flyovers can easily be termed as the biggest achievement of Sheila Dikshit-led Congress government in Delhi. HT reports.

Turning Delhi's public transport system around and improving infrastructure by building new roads and flyovers can easily be termed as the biggest achievement of Sheila Dikshit-led Congress government in Delhi.

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From Delhi Metro to introducing swanky low-floor buses and phasing out of Blueline buses has changed the face of public transport system.

With its 190-kilometre network, Delhi Metro has changed the way people travel in the city. Apart from construction of another 230-odd kilometre in next 10 years, the government has now decided to build monorail in congested areas where the Metro doesn't reach.

"Metro rail is really successful and I think it is a good idea to introduce other modes of transport like monorail," transport expert PK Sarkar said.

Introduction of private buses on pre decided cluster of routes in place of rickety Blueline buses has given much-desired facelift to Delhi's transport.

The government has provided flyovers and new roads to make driving a pleasurable experience. What started in the early 2000s with the construction of AIIMS, Dhaula Kuan and Lajpat Nagar flyovers and an underpass at Moolchand, reached its peak ahead of the Commonwealth Games. Barapullah elevated road, Ring Road bypass and flyovers on the Outer Ring Road reduced distances and cut down travelling time.

A world-class hanging bridge on Yamuna at Wazirabad and a string of flyovers in west Delhi are two big-ticket projects the government is working on.