Nothing rapid about Vizag's BRTS project.

More than five years after launching work on the much-publicised Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) in two corridors covering 43 km, the city still awaits its completion and the promised intelligent transport system (ITS) that provides an efficient, affordable, and safe mass transport.

The two corridors are taken up under the Centrally-sponsored Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) at an estimated cost of Rs. 454.73 crore. It was originally scheduled for completion by January 2011.

The delay is mainly attributed to land acquisition from Defence establishments and the Railways, and over 2,100 private properties. Shifting Ramakrishnapuram village on the Simhachalam corridor and acquiring private properties in the busy Asilmetta area also contributed to the delay.

The flyover and subway are commissioned, but service roads are yet to be completed.


THE HINDU