Wait for BRTS just got longer

If you are looking forward to the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) starting in your area soon you’re in for a disappointment.

Ahmedabad Janmarg Ltd (AJL) expects the route from RTO to Visat petrol pump in Sabarmati to be completed by the end of October while others will be completed in a phased manner by December 31.

Meanwhile, the Congress has demanded a penalty to be imposed on the contractor for the slow pace of work.

During its meeting on Tuesday, the AJL board discussed progress of BRTS in the city. Already behind schedule at various locations in the city, the first stretch is expected to be completed by October 30 along with a stretch from AEC to Sola. The stretch from Ellisbridge to Sarangpur via Astodia is expected to be completed by October-end.

The Iskcon to Bopal route is expected to be completed by mid-November and the stretch from Visat petrol pump to Chandkheda by mid-December. Routes like Nehrunagar to Ellisbridge, Kalupur to Memco, Shah-e-Alam to Astodia, Sarangpur to Soni-ni-Chali are supposed to be concluded by the end of December.

It should be noted that in September 2011, a statement issued by AJL promised the people of Bopal and Chandkheda BRTS service from March 2012. A promise delayed by almost a year.

The opposition also raised the issue of slow pace of construction of BRTS corridors and bus shelters. Leader of opposition Badruddin Shaikh said that the contractors have not been able to complete the work on time. He insisted that a penalty be imposed on them. He added that Ashok Leyland issued an order to supply 275 buses but has been able to supply only 173. He demanded that the company be fined and the order cancelled.