Journalism of Courage
City police commissioner Meeran Borwankar said there is an urgent need for Metro Railway for improving the public transport in the city. Borwankar was speaking after inaugurating the police help centre at Swargate state transport bus terminus,aimed at keeping a check on auto rickshaw drivers overcharging and misbehaving with passengers,on Wednesday.
Borwankar said that considering the increasing population,lack of space for expansion of roads and increasing number of vehicles,projects like the Metro Railway are required in Pune for improving the public transport.
The number of vehicles in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad was 11,52,256 in 2004. The number has reached 28,95,438 in 2011. Everyday,about 450-500 new vehicles are registered in Pune. While the vehicles are increasing,there is no additional space available for parking.
Considering the increasing number of two wheelers and four wheelers in the city,about 14,77,584 square meters of land is required every year for additional parking space. The city is growing fast,so it will not be possible to make such a huge public land available for parking. This would develop tremendous pressure on the traffic police and result in traffic jams and congestions. To control the problems,a strong public transport system is essential. So if the Metro Railway project is implemented in Pune,it will not only give us a better public transport option,but also decrease the vehicles on public roads,thus reducing the pollution levels. It would also reduce traffic congestions,save time of people in traveling from one place to another and also reduce the number of road accidents.
Meanwhile,the police help centre was started in the premises of Swargate bus stand on the land provided by regional transport office (RTO). Police would be deployed at the help center for 24 hours a day. Citizens are asked to approach the police for any help against the erring rickshaw drivers.
