Shri Arvind
Kejriwal
Chief
Minister of Delhi
3rd
Level, Delhi Secretariat,
IP Estate,
New Delhi - 110002
Date: 11 December, 2015
Subject: Measures to improve
odd-even car policy and enhancing air quality in Delhi
Dear Kejriwal ji,
I would first of all like to take this opportunity to
congratulate your government for the consciousness it has shown in addressing
the issue of rising air pollution in the country. The quality of air is
degrading everyday and something must be done pro-actively to bring the situation
under control. I firmly believe that our decisions today will determine our
tomorrow.
As your government is planning to initiate the odd-even
policy, introduction of 3000 new buses in three months, using school buses as
cluster buses temporarily, pushing the time for trucks entering Delhi from 9 pm
to 11 pm, etc., we must also look into the other ancillary steps to support
these policies. This becomes important as we have observed in the past that
many policies have failed because we have not completely thought about and
worked on the ancillary framework and interventions required to augment the new
policy. For this purpose, I would like to give few suggestions that I feel
could be looked into for enhancing the air quality of our beautiful city.
Measures to improve odd-even car policy
1. Improved
road infrastructure
An improved road
infrastructure is a pre-requisite for any transport related reforms. Smoothly
tarred roads with use of recycled material integrated with all line services
must be in place. We do not want the road to be constructed first and drain
enhancement after two months, and internet lines to be laid four months later
which leads to repaving again and again. Duct system with mechanism to easily
remove top layer and embed additional lines could reduce inconvenience to
commuters during installation. We need to bring all stakeholders to a common
platform and implement it in a phased manner using Project Management
techniques. Improved roads following all the safety norms will help in reducing
accidents and ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
2. Up-gradation
of public transportation system
As part of
augmentation of public transportation system, we must further enhance the
working of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. This would require bilateral discussions
between DMRC and Delhi Government to increase the number of metro trains,
enhance the number of coaches and frequency of metro based on analysis of past
trends of passenger movements on specific days and timings. The metro rush in
peak hours is a major deterrent for people to shift from private mode to public
transit.
Apart from the
metro, bus transit also needs major transformation. DTC is the common mans most
frequented transit source. DIMTS and DTC must work in coordination to identify
areas which require augmentation. DTC requires a major facelift even in terms
of its appearance, running, technology used, bus terminals, etc. The option of
having double-decker buses on particular stretches could be explored as it
would also save space on streets. Buses running on a fixed time schedule with a
board placed on each bus stop indicating the time of arrival of bus can help
users to plan their travel. Bus passes must be more accessible and cheaper to
encourage usage. Smart card concept should be implemented which can be used in
different modes for seamless movement. We must make traveling by public
transport a matter of pride than a matter of need.
3. Branding
and promoting local train system
We already have a
local train system in place along with infrastructure for ring rail, but more
than half of our population is not aware of this facility. We need to market it
and promote it as a viable option which could be used at times. The USP of this
mode is that it is extremely cheap. This also needs to be connected with major
nodes so that it is easily accessible in case of need.
4. Last
mile connectivity
We need a very
efficient last mile connectivity network because unless a person is able to
comfortably reach a bus stop/ metro station/ railway station from his house/
work place/ market, he or she would not like to shift to public mode. We must
promote e-rickshaws, shared autos, grameen sewa, rickshaws, etc. If we can
introduce new systems like two-wheeler pillion rides or shuttle buses, then it
could help in promoting public transport systems.
5. Promoting
non-motorized transport (NMT)
Promoting all modes
of transport which do not require fuel is a great idea to enhance air-quality.
People purchasing cars/ two-wheelers/ e-rickshaws could be given incentives in
the form of tax waivers, reduced parking charges, reduced electricity charges,
etc. Government sponsored charging points for electric vehicles in each
municipal ward at subsidized prices could also help in promoting NMT.
6. Ease
in use of auto-rickshaws and taxis
The ‘pooch-o’ app is
a step in the right direction, however more such applications and operators in
the market are required to ensure a competitive market. However, the government
must pull up auto-drivers/ taxi-drivers for not plying on meter and to the
destination where people want to travel. This hassle in commute is a big
deterrent in shifting from private modes. This hassle also creates a negative
impact on the productivity at work. Periodic checking of auto/ taxi meters must
be ensured. These meters must be linked with a central server where details of
each trip must be recorded.
The autorickshaws
and taxis must come up with the drivers details along with a QR code placed
outside and inside the auto (if there are multiple drivers then multiple plates
must be placed). The ‘pooch-o’ app must incorporate a QR code reading device
through which once we scan the driver’s QR code, the application must be able
to trace our location. This will improve safety of passengers and malpractice
of overcharging of passenger by taking them off road by drivers. QR code can
then also be used for filing complaints against drivers for not plying on meter
or refusal to ply to a certain destination.
7. Shuttle
services
Innovative route
planning and prior booking could make shuttle services run effectively. Before
banning white line services in Delhi, there were many passengers who took those
buses for travelling long distances which ran at a defined time and had set
clientele. This could be reintroduced after proper driver and owner
verification. To further enhance the safety, we can install CCTVs and enable
GPS on these shuttle buses.
8. Promoting
pedestrianization
Just like Central
government’s promotion of Yoga, we must market walking as one of the best ways
to stay fit. People walk so much abroad while we have a tendency of taking out
our bikes and cars to even buy milk from our neighbouring convenience store.
800 m is considered to very easily walkable and services must be planned at
neighbourhood and cluster level based on this principle. We should promote and
encourage more events like Raahgiri and mini-marathons. Innovative
street-scaping guided by the existing guidelines (UTTIPEC) will encourage more
pedestrians to walk. A conducive environment to walk will encourage more users
for which streetscaping must include better lighting, shade, wall paintings,
innovative paving designs, seating, water points, etc. Women friendly and child
friendly elements must also be introduced into streetscaping. Paving material plays
a big role in human behaviour to walk/ cycle/ drive. As a pilot, we could pave
inner circle road of Connaught Place with perforated tiles and observe the
change in vehicular movement supported with additional parking spaces around
Connaught Place.
9. Occupancy
based challans
Just like odd-even
policy, we could also think of challans based on occupancy. A car with only one
person plying during peak hours must be challaned as they hamper ease of
vehicular movement. This can help in taking off considerable number of cars. At
least an awareness campaign on this issue will help in building consciousness
among people.
10. Parking
areas
We must not
endlessly increase parking space at all locations as this will encourage more
private vehicles. On the other hand, increase in parking spaces means that we
are reducing land which could be otherwise used for better things. Wherever
possible, existing parking areas must be reorganized and the extra space
created must be put to creative use. It is also observed than vehicles are
being parked on road sides which reduce the carriageway width and creates
bottlenecks. Using GIS, a map must be created clearly demarcating roads on
which vehicles could be parked and on which parking is prohibited. This could
be indicated by the colour of the kerb stone or lane separator. People must
also realize that a park is not meant for parking and if they do not have space
to park their vehicles, they must not purchase vehicles.
11. Shifting
ISBTs to outskirts
So many roadways
buses ply inside Delhi which must be strictly restricted. There is absolutely
no need for other state buses to ply in inner city roads. We could shift our
ISBTs to the periphery and link it with other modes of travel. Anand Vihar is a
good example which is in the periphery and connected with Metro and Rail
transit. Other similar models need to be worked upon.
12. Strategies
beyond Delhi
Traffic management
in Delhi has to be looked at from a regional perspective as well. A plan for
regional transport already exists drafted by NCR Planning Board (NCRPB),
however, no or very little work has been initiated as it requires regional
cooperation. Delhi must take lead in initiating deliberations to enforce the
plan so that traffic could be diverted through the outskirts of Delhi.
Dedicated freeways
from Delhi to NOIDA/ Gurgaon/ Ghaziabad which are the three main home-work
corridors connected to Delhi must be created for ease of movement. This also
requires cooperation of Haryana and UP government. Seamless traffic would
reduce emissions and hence, help in improving air quality. However, in
developed countries the concept of freeways is diminishing as they are now
using alternate modes of transport and want to discourage people from using
cars.
13. Monetary
disincentives
The insurance money
on cars could be raised as a deterrent to purchase more cars. There could also
be employee pay cuts for people coming to office in private vehicles for more
than three days if they are driving alone to work. In case of monthly holidays,
wherever possible an option of work from home could be given which will be
based on daily target which the person has to achieve while working from home.
This has to be decided at an organizational level.
14. Staggered
office timings
Staggered office
timings in identified clusters with large number of offices and other
institutions could very effectively help in traffic management. We observe that
most of office timings are similar, if at a block level (lets imagine an area
like ITO) all the different offices come together and decide their start and
end timings and stagger them at 15 minute intervals then the movement pattern
of pedestrians and vehicles will change and it will be become easier as
everyone will not come out at the same time.
15. Promoting
women drivers
As you have allowed
women to be exempted from the odd-even policy which in my opinion is a great
move for empowering women, we could further build on this exemption. There
could be women driver skill development program and this sector which was
essentially a male dominated arena could now be taken over by women. This will
also be a livelihood generating opportunity for women.
16. Exemptions
Just like women
drivers, exemptions must also be extended to senior citizens and cars carrying
differently abled persons.
17. Capping
of vehicle registrations
Number of vehicle
registrations must be restricted to a fixed number each day to discourage use
of private vehicles. However, introducing special windows for non – fuel based
vehicles will encourage such modes.
18. Emergency
– challan system – pardon
In case of emergency
there should be a system of challan where the person who is caught driving
during restricted slots is pardoned with a notice (booking the license without
penalty) once a year based on the situation.
19. Scraping
of old unused cars
Almost in all government
offices have unused cars lying in their premises, these must be immediately
audited and scraped off through metal scrap dealers. This will automatically
enhance parking space in the city. In addition to these, old cars running on
old engines must be checked for emissions and if required scraped or upgraded
to present standards.
20. Awareness
and Behaviour change communication
We must keep
reiterating the fact that air quality in Delhi is the worst in the world at all
platforms and forums so that impact on air quality becomes one of the guiding
parameters for implementation of any new program. We must design specific
interventions to target children and make them understand the situation as they
are going to bear the brunt of our actions of yesterday. Behaviour change is a
slow process and one must be persistent to reach the end goal. Programs must be
dynamic and interventions must keep changing/ upgrading periodically based on
the ground evidence to ensure that air quality is enhanced in future. There are
many colleges which are associated with transport planning and engineering in
Delhi. Student works based in neighbourhoods and their suggestions could be
looked into and viable proposals could be taken up for implementation.
Purchase of a car and going by car
has a great aspirational value among Indians and hence, people will be very
reluctant about the idea of the government restricting the use of cars.
However, in the catastrophe that we are in right, we have to take these hard
steps to improve our quality of life in the long run. Purchase of cars can also
be linked to family planning, ‘ya toh bachha ya car’ (either a child or a car).
Too many restrictions leads to frustration among people and revolting mentality
hence, care must be taken to introduce and strategize before initiating any
policy. Unless and until the augmenting and supporting framework is not as
strong as the policy itself, it will be very hard to function.
I wish you all the best and admire what you are doing for my
city. I would like to offer my assistance in clarifying or further working on
any point mentioned above if given a chance.
Thank you.
Your faithfully,
Aditya Ajith
Urban
Planner
62/2D,
Sector II,
Kali Bari
Marg,
New Delhi –
110001
Cc:
(i) Sh.
Gopal Rai, Transport Minister, A-wing, 7th level, Delhi Secretariat,
IP Estate, New Delhi – 110002
(ii) Sh. Manish
Sisodia, Dy. Chief Minister, A-wing, 6th level, Delhi Secretariat,
IP Estate, New Delhi - 110002
I would also like to acknowledge the
contributions made by Mr. Prakhar Nigar, Urban Planner, Ms. Tahmeena Tariq,
Architect, Mr. Varun Gautam, Urban Planner and Architect; Ms. Saneera Dev,
Student, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi; Mr. Sriharsha Chowdary
Cheekati, Transport Planner and Civil Engineer; Mr. Tryambakesh Kumar Shukla,
Urban Planner; Mr. Ujjwal Garg, Physical Planner; Mr. Vasu Dhobal, Invoicing
Head (India), TMF Group; and Mr. Pankaj Ranjan, Regional Planner and Architect.
