Atal Setu must also have 'bus priority lane': Congress leader Milind Deora writes to MMRDA

The newly opened MTHL. Pic/CMO

Former union minister of Communications & Shipping and Congress leader Milind Deora has urged the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to have a 'bus priority lane' on the newly-opened Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, officially called as the Atal Setu, also appealing the BEST to arrange for bus routes from Navi Mumbai to Mumbai via the new link.

"I have been a strong advocate of this project for over two decades and I believe it will completely transform the Mumbai Metropolitan Region for the better. As you will surely agree, all infrastructure projects should be designed for maximum benefit to the common man, the commuter. As per the latest survey numbers, over 50-60% of commuters in the MMR use public transport, while just 5-6% own cars. I therefore request you to demarcate a special "bus priority lane" on each side of the MTHL, with priority for BEST buses, as well as buses of Navi Mumbai Metropolitan Transport (NMMT), Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), private office buses. Of course, this would also be open to emergency vehicles and police," Deora said in a letter addressed to the MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, a copy of which is with mid-day.

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"Numerous cities across the world and in India have had success with such lanes. Indore, Bhopal, and Pune, as well as Singapore, Washington DC, and Seoul, have many highly effective bus lanes. They make public transport a more appealing option than private cars and make the MTHL accessible to all. Today, public transport in the MMR is the need of the hour, to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and reduce carbon emissions," he added.

"I believe that the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link will be transformational for Mumbai. I request you to develop a plan for an express bus link using the MTHL. A bus could run directly from CSMT stations to Kharkopar station, allowing Navi Mumbai commuters to come directly into the heart of Mumbai. I request you to plan multiple such routes in coordination with the MMRDA and Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT), and commence these routes as soon as possible," Deora stated in another letter to BEST General Manager Vijay Singhal.

"I have also requested Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner of the MMRDA, to demarcate a "bus priority lane" on the MTHL. I hope that in coordination, the BEST and MMRDA will expeditiously ensure that the commuters of Mumbai have excellent public transport links through the MTHL," he added.