Nagpur: Research done by Save Ajni Van activists, in which they studied inter-modal stations (IMS) in other countries, shows that the project coming up in the city is unviable, considering the current population and its growth.
The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), a statutory body under the ministry of railways, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), entrusting the latter with development, maintenance and management of inter-model stations at different locations across the country. Such stations allow passengers to change transportation modes during transit without having to leave the station premises.
The country’s first IMS is coming up in the city at Ajni. The project area of the first phase, which will involve redevelopment of Ajni railway station, bus port and other connecting facilities, is nearly 54 acres, which as per experts is “unjustified”.
In a press conference held on Saturday, architectural conservationist Sandeep Pathe presented research done on similar stations at other countries. “The IMS situated in Anaheim in California, which has a population of 3.95 crore and population growth rate of 7.3%, is built on a total area of 16 acres. Similarly, the station in London, which is home to over 93 lakh people and has a population growth is 0.97%, is spread over 12 acres. Seeing this, the 54 acres sanctioned for Nagpur with nearly 30 lakh population and 1.62% growth rate is not feasible,” said Pathe.
Documents procured by activists under the Right to Information (RTI) reveal that 163 bus bays are proposed to come up at Ajni. A comparison of bus terminuses operating in different cities questions the need of 163 bays in the city. “Chennai has Asia’s largest bus terminus spread over an area of 37 acres with 180 bays. The population of the city is over 1 crore. The ISBT terminus in New Delhi, which has a population of over 3 crores, is situated on 25 acres. Again considering Nagpur’s population, 54 acres and 163 bays makes no sense,” said Pathe.
He further questioned the smooth commute of buses from Ajni as the station is not connected to inner or outer ring road. “The route connecting Ajni to Medical Square and Ganeshpeth is already facing severe traffic congestions. The proposed IMS will bring in traffic from other states and, for a road which is 12-metre wide, it will become too congested and add to existing pollution,” stated the study done by activists.
According to their research, Khapri is a better alternative site for IMS. “Khapri is well connected to outer ring road as well as the airport. It is the ideal choice as it also connects National Highways 7, 6, 69, Metro line, railway line and intra city transport,” it stated, adding that relocating IMS from Ajni to Khapri will help in preserving environment and heritage at Ajni.
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