Shiv Sena opposes new BRTS routes in Pune

The city unit of Shiv Sena has decided to oppose the introduction of 27 new Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) routes on arterial city roads. The party was instrumental in approving the BRTS pilot project in 2006.

The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) standing committee recently approved the proposal, which will cost Rs98 crore for converting 101 km roads into BRTS routes.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Shiv Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe said, “We will oppose the BRTS project till the PMC implements it as per the Bogota model.”

Gorhe said, “The PMC did not take citizens into confidence before approving the new BRTS routes. So, we will conduct a public opinion survey on the issue.”

The survey will be conducted between January 13 and 19 at 25 places in the city. “The findings of the survey will be presented to the PMC, state government and citizens on January 20,” Gorhe said.

Shiv Sena group leader in the PMC, Sham Deshpande said, “The PMC could not complete the BRTS pilot project successfully even after four years. Now, it has decided to introduce the system on 27 roads, which is foolish.”

“The BRTS route on Pune-Satara Road has claimed many lives due to unavailability of pedestrian crossings,” Deshpande said.

In view of the annual budget of the PMC next month, Gorhe said her party would form a study group of city MLAs in order to pursue the PMC to provide for various civic works in the budget. The group will do a social audit of the budget. Gorhe will also be a part of the study group.