Port Blair, October 7: To take stock of the traffic and transportation scenario in Port Blair and surrounding areas, the Lt Governor, Lt General (Retd) A.K. Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, convened a meeting of all Departments concerned including APWD, Transport, Police and Port Blair Municipal Council. He directed that multi-level parking spaces should be developed by both APWD and PBMC and people should be encouraged to park in authorised parking spaces only.
He also directed the enforcement agencies to ensure that footpaths in crowded bazaars are free from encroachments so that they can be used by pedestrians and the traffic flow on roads improves. Urban Development Department, along with the Police, Transport department and PBMC should examine the feasibility of levying parking charges in high demand areas to restrict parking hours. People should be advised to have a parking arrangement before purchasing a vehicle so as to discourage permanent parking in public places and roads. In order to improve urban aesthetics, the Lt Governor directed that a policy on road side signages be formulated at the earliest. To check pollution, the Lt Governor directed that more agencies such as petrol pumps and workshops be identified to issue Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and polluted vehicles be phased out. The Lt Governor was apprised that traffic studies have recommended a mass transport system for Port Blair for the corridor from Chatham, Delanipur, Clock Tower, School line to Bathubasti. He directed that a team be sent to visit cities where mass transport systems such as mono-rail have been set up to examine whether such a proposal can be taken up for Port Blair. The Lt Governor also directed that the feasibility of grade separators be examined for crowded intersections such as Goalghar, Bengali Club and Light House junctions.
He also directed that more comfortable buses should be introduced on long routes. Operation of mini shuttle services should also be examined. He directed that the Education Department should hold a meeting with school management to encourage introduction of school buses to reduce the crowding of the road network due to use of a large number of personalised vehicles. He advised the Traffic Police and Urban Development department to invite suggestions from public for better traffic and transportation management in Port Blair.
