The complete draft runs into 487 pages and my focus was on the Transportation and Mobility section. The four sections are labelled MOB1,… MOB4. Now, we are talking about the topic in the capital, and the symbolism is not lost on me when I reflect on the choice of words: Mobility! I studied the four sections in sequence and then placed these side-by-side. Sometimes, I feel that the idea of interdisciplinarity (in Planning) was born on a sidewalk many decades ago—Transportation being the poster child.
(Will stay on message.)
Through this enterprise, the authors—and a myriad of stakeholders—are taking a 20 year horizon. Through 2041.
1) Reflecting on the conflicts that one observes between users on different modes on Delhi roads daily, it is easy to assume that concern and design for a certain category would preclude the passage of other users — motorized travel has always claimed its position at the top of the totem pole. Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Public Works Department (PWD, GNCTD), (Municipal Corp. (MCD, now trifurcated) collectively own and maintain 84 flyovers in NCT. Any cyclist trying to reach his workplace/office would prefer to avoid and cycle for a longer distance to save his or her energy on the commute to work. Then, we know how this road element causes discontinuity in the journeys of pedestrians also.
Abstracting from this insight, I request that the core team explore the possibility of decommissioning/repurposing some of the existing assets and goods‚ to reduce the recurring maintenance spends?
2) About this business of Walking: The plan suggests that “concerned” agencies (RWAs, local bodies, Pub. Agencies) should develop Active Travel Area (ATA) Plans for an area covered by a radius of 400m-500m centered at the nodes such as transit stop (including 285 DMRC stations and ~18000 bus stops) alighting point, historical place, market — this is 4/5th the area of 1 square kilometer. While functional assignment and enforcement dimensions are (understandably) vague, it is heartening to see that “Walking and Cycling” is a full chapter (MOB3).
3) Parking (Pkg) Management gets due attention as well in MOB4. RWAs, Mkt & Trade assns, Transport Ops are encouraged to prepare the Pkg Area Mgmt Plan (PAMP) for areas they own/manage and GNCTD’s Transport Dept. covers govt. lots. In residential areas, PMAPs must be coordinated with the Active Travel Area (ATA) Plan. Delhi (NCT) also has 367 Urban Villages — when one compares this typology with high rise apartment communities — the range and diversity of possible parking solutions makes the pursuit exciting. Holler (Mini) Data Scientists!
Since the onus is on RWAs, it will be interesting to see which communities will strive harder to ensure that the essence of the idea is enforced and spirit? What will be the mix of parking spaces and walking (public) spaces within the communities? Often contiguous land parcels have different owners and each will have to sit around the table to create a durable solution. Else, there is a chance that one actor would undercut (parking price) and disturb the equilibrium in the community. Clear guidelines are essential to manifest this vision.
The public comment period is open—and ends on August 23, 2021—and if you have any thoughts on the matter, you too should send comments via the official system (India cell number, OTP and you are done!).
Later!
