PUNE: If everything goes well, Pimpri-Chinchwad citizens may be able to travel in the BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System) this year. The route of 11 km stretching between Nigdi and Dapodi is likely to be operational. Municipal Commissioner Ashish Sharma on Monday informed that the civic body has already initiated work on the construction of sixteen bus stations on this route. They have set a target of building 14 bus stations on the 14 km route of Aundh- Ravet road in the next financial year.

The construction of one km between Pimple Gaurav-Wakad of the entire 9 km route stretching between Wakad and Nasik phata will be taken up. On this route, six bus stations are estimated to be constructed. The targets for the 11 km route between Kalewadi phata and Dehu-Alandi road are also set. Out of the 11 km stretch, 8 km of the road and construction for four bus stations with level boarding facilities and other services have started.

On the other hand, the civic body needs to do a lot to acquire buses for the BRTS. Out of the total 150 buses which were to be obtained, 15 buses have recently been included in the PMPML fleet. The civic administration has claimed that sixty extra buses will be incorporated after March, and the rest of the buses will be procured after April.

While blaming the delay on the issue of purchase of buses with doors opening on the right, Sharma said, “The PCMC has designed the BRTS according to central government’s condition, that bus shelters should be on the right side of the route”. He also added that in the meantime, the civic body is all set to start the construction of the Empire Estate flyover in Chinchwad. The flyover at Bhosari will be completed by March. Progress of two more flyovers is in the process of construction at Nashik phata and Chapekar chowk, whereas another flyover is being planned at Dange chowk.

Sharma also mentioned that for the first time such a provision of Rs 10 crore has been made in the budget for the PCMC traffic cell. It is done to take up road and junction upgrading works in synchronization with the traffic branch of the city police.

- Anuja Bagaitkar