Need of the hour in Gurgaon: Better roads, bus service

Even more alarming is the fact that Gurgaon also has four times more cars per 1,000 than Delhi and share of public transport and non-motorised transport has come down to 40%, says the report submitted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Gurgaon First, a city-based NGO

 With only 30 city buses operational and on too few routes, the lack of public transport and last-mile connectivity are major problems that have made mobility in Gurgaon a major struggle for the commuters, according to a joint report submitted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Gurgaon First, a city-based NGO.

There is need for a good quality bus system that could connect the entire city and also act as a feeder to the metro system. (HT Photo)

While the Haryana government’s plan to introduce a city bus service has been on the anvil for last decade, Gurgaon has witnessed 350% rise in car registrations in the last 10 years. In comparison, the registration of buses is down by almost 300%.

Even more alarming is the fact that Gurgaon also has four times more cars per 1,000 than Delhi and share of public transport and non-motorised transport has come down to 40%, says the report.

The only positive note which strikes a chord amidst the gloomy scenario is that at least 66% of all road trips still happen on non-motorised vehicles. However, Gurgaon roads neither accord space nor give any importance to this huge road user base, and resources are used by personal cars, cabs and motorcycles.

“There is need for a good quality bus system that could connect the entire city and also act as a feeder to the metro system. Last mile connectivity is non-existent in Gurgaon and this problem needs to be solved”, says Amit Bhatt, director, World Resources Institute.

Another major solution to the issue is to democratise the urban design and road engineering so that it allows deeper penetration of public transport in neighbourhoods. The report also says that less than 23% of road length has usable footpaths and 20% streets have proper street lights.

Gurgaon roads also pose a great risk to pedestrians and cyclists, whereas 60% of the accidents are occurring on Delhi Gurgaon expressway and National Highway 8.

“The gap between existing transport infrastructure and the demand is huge. The government will have to make a major intervention to resolve urban mobility issues in the city,” said Bhatt.