New Delhi (Metro Rail News): SC seeks DMRC reply on lack of parking for 3-wheelers vehicle at metro stations, According to Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) “para-transit vehicles” like taxis, auto-rickshaws, and cycle-rickshaws need free parking spaces at metro stations. they have discussed this issue with DMRC and other concerned officials.
A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta has issued a notice to DMRC on EPCA report which also said that lack of demarcated parking for taxis, three-wheelers, and cycle-rickshaws at places like metro stations and interstate bus terminals “greatly add to congestion and problems for commuters”.
The report, which was filed in the top court, said that last mile connectivity is a “critical agenda” for Delhi as connectivity, particularly from metro stations and other multi-transport points, would greatly reduce the need for private transport in the city.
It is a Today fact, multi-modal integration (MMI) is inadequate and so without parking spaces at the metro, inter-state bus stations, the para-transit vehicles – taxis, three-wheelers and cycle-rickshaws – greatly add to congestion and problems for commuters.
It said that the design of metro stations has to incorporate the need for parking of these vehicles but this has not been done as design and control of road space over and above the station infrastructure is not within the purview of DMRC. EPCA said they have discussed this issue with DMRC and other concerned officials.
It said DMRC has made plans for all its 78 stations in phase III for MMI and it is working to provide lanes for auto-rickshaws, buses, car parking and for drop-off. “During the meeting, it was discussed that these plans are also in various stages of design, approval, and implementation. However, it was clear that there is a need to expedite this work, including the approvals for design and finance, ” the report said.
The EPCA urged the court to direct DMRC to submit a time schedule for implementation of MMI plans for 38 stations of phase one and two and 78 stations in phase three. The issue has cropped up before the top court which is hearing a matter relating to air pollution in the Delhi-national capital region.
