Below is the letter sent by a group of experts requesting the stoppage of construction of the unnecessary and expensive Subways in CP, and suggesting alternative measures to improve 'mobility and pedestrian/ public transport accessibility' of CP.
The LG was very understanding of the issue and called for several presentations and discussions on the topic. However all was ignored by NDMC and Delhi can see the outcome.
See TOI Report on this issue on this post:
NDMC ignored warnings, rushed ahead with CP plan" - TOI 21 Aug 2010
The Petitioned Letter:The LG was very understanding of the issue and called for several presentations and discussions on the topic. However all was ignored by NDMC and Delhi can see the outcome.
See TOI Report on this issue on this post:
NDMC ignored warnings, rushed ahead with CP plan" - TOI 21 Aug 2010
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LG Secretariat Raj Niwas,
Delhi-110054
Smt. Sheila Dikshit
Chief Minister of Delhi
Delhi Sectt. I.P. Estate, New Delhi - 110 001
Smt. Sheila Dikshit
Chief Minister of Delhi
Delhi Sectt. I.P. Estate, New Delhi - 110 001
Respected Sir, Madam:
The following letter/ petition is with respect to the following article published in The Times of India, Sept 16, 2009.
Subway Work set to shrink CP [Enclosed with this letter]
We strongly oppose the construction of any new subways in Connaught Place
In addition, we propose the re-routing of DTC buses to the Central Metro Station, introduction of world-class eco-friendly streetcars or feeder service systems – that could connect all destinations in CP to the two Metro Stations, besides adding further iconic value to this historic City Centre.
Our detailed Observations:
- CP is a City Centre where
- All major cities around the world also have thoroughfare roads move through their Historic City Centres, but traffic on these roads, although heavy, is expected to move slow, and expected to STOP for pedestrians & cyclists to cross at grade. Some major thoroughfare examples from round the world:
Street name, Location | Width | At-Grade Pedestrian Crossings: | |
o | Market Street, | 40 M major thoroughfare | Every 100 - 250 M |
o | 30 M major thoroughfare | Every 250 M | |
o | 30 M major thoroughfare | Every 250 - 300 M | |
o | 40 M major thoroughfare | Every 100 - 250 M | |
o | Outer Circle, CP, | 35 M major thoroughfare | Every 170 – 300 M; but NO at-grade crossing in radial direction |
- Separating the pedestrian and public transport user to a different grade ensures that traffic on Outer Circle will start moving even faster – in turn discouraging pedestrian and public transport activity and in a short time, creating even more severe congestion – as the flyovers of the city have already done.
- Moreover, we have already seen in Delhi that subways are not safe and do not get used; And especially in Connaught Place, where people actually desire to walk at grade to “enjoy” the experience of the historic city centre at all times.
- In cities of the world that have been used to large volumes of traffic, subways are now being removed due to the above factors, including the high costs of maintenance, cleaning and security provision associated with them. In the
- High costs lead to short cuts in maintenance and inspection which in turn means lifts and escalators are often not in use. Disabled people, women with young children, the elderly become excluded from using these facilities.
Shown above: [Source: YouTube Video of State of Pedestrians at CP]
Scindia House Intersection where a Subway already exists. But no pedestrian uses the subway because it is much more desirable and preferable to walk across the street at grade, even if it means fighting with obstacles and risking their life against “seamlessly moving” traffic!
And this is the situation at our historic city centre – which should undoubtedly be a pedestrian priority zone. How can we think of putting subways in Connaught Place?
Connaught Place needs wide, even-surfaced, continuous pavements, hawker zones along pavements, at-grade pedestrian crossings, the provision of sun shade for the public on the street, new cycle and NMV lanes and a concentric streetcar/ feeder system - to connect to the Metro stops to-from all destinations; Not 8 new subways!
At CP Outer Circle:
A Continuous “at-grade” movement network should be provided for pedestrians, bicyclists and NMVs.
4 Windmill Place , Ayanagar Village New Delhi 110 047
A Continuous “at-grade” movement network should be provided for pedestrians, bicyclists and NMVs.
- All multidirectional intersections on
- Approximately 150 mm high mid-block table top crossings should be introduced between longer blocks, if the spacing between two ‘signalized’ at-grade crossings exceeds 200 M.
- Cars should be allowed to circulate on all roads (otherwise business owners will suffer), but made to move slowly and respect pedestrians and cyclists – through good design.
- Introduce an active pedestrian and NMV corridor as well as streetcar system to connect directly to the Railway station and circulate people between the Two Metro stations and destinations in CP.
At CP Inner Circle:
- All buses MUST be rerouted to pick up/ drop-off passengers at the Central Metro Interchange.
- Parking should be relocated into the new underground parking garages. One row of on-street parking could be allowed but charged high, and the revenue used for street improvements and maintenance.
- Street and pavement space reclaimed from cars should be replaced by well designed Hawker Zones – as originally envisioned. Hawkers will make the area lively even after dark when offices and retailers in the area have shut down and only cultural centers are active. It will make the area vibrant, safe and active round the clock. (Note: MCD is preparing a Hawker Zones Handbook)
- In consultation with local businesses and shoppers public space could be used for resources such as playgrounds to attract families to the area.
Restoring Street Life on Outer Circle Roads:
The setbacks of the newer buildings (like LIC, Statesman, Gopaldas, and all other buildings on Barakhamba Road are totally INCONGRUOUS with the continuous pedestrian friendly and arcaded street walls of the historical Connaught Place buildings. These setbacks therefore should be reclaimed and the boundary walls replaced - with more pedestrian friendly retail and cultural activities. The proximity of the Metro and increased feeder service would ensure higher pedestrian movement without a corresponding increase in vehicular traffic.
Based on the above suggestions, we sincerely hope you will direct the concerned authorities to cease the construction of the proposed subways and redirect the available funds towards some of these proposed ideas - thereby improving the experience of this historic city centre for pedestrians, bicyclists, public transport users, and tourists.
With sincere regards,
With sincere regards,
THE UNDERSIGNED.
Romi Roy
Romi Roy
Delhi Citizen. Sr. Consultant, UTTIPEC DDA
+91 97110 39349. romionly@gmail.com
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My unambiguous support for this (not building the new subways). We do not need more subways in Connaught place. Increased speed in that area will take away from the character of the place.
Pradeep Sachdeva
Pradeep Sachdeva Design Associates
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Hamsini Shivakumar
President, www.behtardilli.org
B-314, Lok Vihar, Pitampura, Delhi - 110034
hamsini6@googlemail.com
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We at Samarthyam express our solidarity to oppose all/ any project which affects rights of pedestrians particularly the transport disadvantaged such as persons with disabilities and reduced mobility.
Our vote goes for provision of at-grade crossings at intersections, table tops for traffic calming and pedestrian friendly infrastructure and amenities.
Anjlee Agarwal
Executive Director, www.samarthyam.org
Samarthyam, National Centre for Accessible Environments
B-181, Mansarovar Garden, New Delhi-110015
samarthyaindia@yahoo.com
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