Row over traffic plan for civic centre

The issue of management of traffic volume between the Civic Centre and the revamped New Delhi Railway Station has started creating differences between the two authorities and the Delhi Traffic Police.

Even though the Civic Centre and the revamped New Delhi Railway Station are at least six months away from completion, the issue of management of traffic volume that the two facilities are expected to generate has started creating differences between the two authorities and the Delhi Traffic Police.

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While traffic officials claim they are yet to get any concrete figures for expected traffic volume, officials from the two utilities maintain that a detailed study of all aspects, including traffic, has already been completed and there is no need for another one.

Exponential rise in traffic volumes is expected with the New Delhi Railway Station being revamped as a commercial hub and the upcoming Civic Centre, the new municipal headquarter, to be also occupied by various government departments like the Income Tax.

The Delhi Traffic Police has asked both the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Northern Railways to assess the traffic situation and study the effect of extra traffic that will be generated due to both the facilities. “Unless we have the figures for expected volume, how can we give a nod to any traffic movement and management plan?” Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) S.N. Shrivastava said.

“Without assessing the quantum of traffic how can we submit the traffic circulation plan to the traffic police?” the official questioned.

On the other hand, Northern Railways PRO Rajiv Saxena said, “Ministry of Railways had appointed Hong Kong firm Terry Farral as consultants for design parameters, technical and other aspects for the revamp of the New Delhi Railway Station. A detailed study was carried out by them which also involves expected traffic volumes and vehicular movement, etc.”

“There is no need for another study,” Saxena added.

The question remains is that is it that the traffic officials are looking for? Shrivastava said, “If such a study has been carried out, let them share it with us.”