Next yr, rocket from Bopal to Ellisbridge in just 20 mins

The travel between Bopal and Ellisbridge is all set to become swifter, taking only 20 minutes, with the Ahmedabad Janmarg Limited (AJL) preparing to strengthen the BRTS network in phase II of the project. In this phase, the BRTS network will cover Bopal, Gujarat University, the CG Road and Ellisbridge.

The new phase of the project follows the successful implementation of the BRTS on the 17-km stretch from RTO to Pushpkunj Circle.

As for phase II, if everything goes as planned, Amdavadis will be able to take a BRTS bus from Bopal to Gujarat University; AEC to
Sola; and RTO to Chandkheda by mid-2011.

The AJL’s contractor is all set to start work on the 20 km stretch that will link Shivranjani to Bopal; RTO to Chandkheda; AEC to Sola Road; and Nehru Nagar to Ellisbridge via Gujarat University, Gulbai Tekra, CG Road and Law Garden. The AJL has given the contract for construction work on the four stretches at an estimated cost of Rs129 crore.

“The survey to start work on all the stretches has begun,” said a senior AJL official. “The contractor will start work on three stretches: RTO, AEC and Nehru Nagar simultaneously.” He said that the 3.5-km stretch from AEC to Sola Crossroads might be finished first. Work on the Shivranjani-Bopal and RTO-Chandkheda stretches might be finished next.

Residents of Bopal, who have limited transport options to the city, are elated with the BRTS plan. PG Dave, a senior citizen and resident of Bopal, said, “Currently, we have to spend half-an-hour just waiting for a city bus, if we want to reach the Shivranjani crossroads.”

Dave said he had travelled on the BRTS. “I feel that the BRTS bus stations and ticketing system are safe and efficient,” he said. “Also, the system cuts down travel time by half.”