KOZHIKODE: In a bid to improve the transport infrastructure in urban areas of Kozhikode, the regional town planning office is exploring the possibility of introducing the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS).
The dedicated service lane for buses, which has proved to be a hit in cities like Ahmedabad and Jaipur, enables faster transit of passengers.
A survey is currently being done by the town planning authority, with help from the National Institute of Technology, to identify suitable routes in which the BRTS could be implemented.
Systems like BRTS which help ease traffic congestion would give Kozhikode an edge over other cities, which are in the race to improve transport infrastructure and build smart cities.
Speaking to ‘Express’ K V Abdul Malik, Regional Town Planner, said a feasibility study is underway to identify the routes. BRTS needs wide roads since buses are to be given right of way, but the project can be realised through scientific approach and better planning, he said.
Abdul Malik said most bus routes in the city have remain unchanged for several years now.
As a result there are several areas in the city with better road infrastructure, which have developed over the years, but there are no sufficient bus services. “The dependence on private vehicles for commuting can be reduced once the public transport is improved,” he said.
The house-hold survey which is being currently held would collect information from people regarding their commuting needs, travel pattern and existing routes. Through the survey the town planning office is also planning to identify gaps in the existing system and suggest remedies.
The town planning office is also planning to provide unique numbers for buses to help commuters identify the routes, even if they can’t read the destination boards. Other plans include introduction of GPS in buses, identifying routes for plying air-conditioned low floor buses, new bus bays and bus stands.
Malik said the study has already been carried out in seven panchayats including Kakkodi, Ulliyeri, Chemmenchery, Balussery, Kunnamangalam, Atholi and Kakoor.
The study is likely to be completed by March 31 and a final report would be submitted by June 30, he added.