Ahmedabad BRTS
Encyclopedia
Ahmedabad BRTS is a highly ambitious rapid transport system developed by Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB) for the city of Ahmedabad
, recognizing that no single mode would cater to the mobility needs of the city and that ‘Bus’ forms the most critical segment of the public transport system in the Ahmedabad city. GIDB has thereby entrusted the system design task to CEPT University
. A part of first corridor connecting Pirana to R.T.O. was opened to public on October 14, 2009 by Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi
.
s (7.2 million)., which is likely to be 11 million by the year 2035. This would lead to agglomeration of surrounding settlements like Naroda
and other smaller villages, which ultimately increases the area of the city, which may become 1,000 km2 in the year 2035. Moreover, about 1/3 of total as well as student population reside within walking distance from the proposed BRTS network. Thus, there is a growing need for greater accessibility to basic amenities and opportunities for mobility in the city. In such a state of rapid urbanization, it is very essential to have an efficient and rapid transit system, which will sustain and accelerate the growth of the city. In order to cater this future demand, the city and State Government has initiated a Plan for Integrated Public Transit System, in which Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) is one of the components. This will facilitate the major mobility need of the people. In future, this system will get integrated with Ahmedabad Metro
by the addition of two lines running through east to west and north to south.
In addition, after the implementation of Ahmedabad BRTS and MetroLink Express Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) would be easily accessible through a multimodal mix of Rapid Transport Systems.
Unlike other Indian BRTS projects, this project is on full-swing and the system designs are quite similar to Curitiba
's Rede Integrada de Transporte
and Bogota
's TransMilenio
which are exceptionally better than Delhi BRTS and Pune BRTS. By following this system Chennai BRTS
and Bangalore BRTS
are also under implementation.
Second half of the first phase of the BRTS was inaugurated on December 25, 2009, birthdate of Atal Bihari Vajpayee
, former Prime Minister of India. Phase I was stretched up to Kankaria
Lake, to cater eastern part of the city also. It was the first time that BRTS buses crossed river & reached Maningar, the most developed area of the city. It was inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
spearheaded the planning and implementation of BRTS in Ahmedabad
by mapping various corridors and feeder networks. Besides giving priority to buses, the system is designed to provide dedicated lanes for pedestrian and non-motorized vehicles like cycles and rickshaws etc.
Feasibility Report (2005): First study initiated by the state project development agency, Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board, initiated preparation of a feasibility report for bus rapid transit system. The study, based on a detailed assessment of demand, socio-economic characteristics and technical feasibility, identified BRTS development over 58 kilometers of road network.
Detailed Project Report (2005): Based on the feasibility report prepared by CEPT
, a detailed project report for submission under JNNURM program of the Government of India
was prepared by CEPT
. The project has been sanctioned by the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India
. The project report included detailed planning of roadway as well as development of other supporting infrastructure and operating systems.
Detailed System Design and Implementation Support (2006-ongoing):BRTS- Ahmedabad is under implementation. Detailed system design and support during construction is being provided by CEPT
team. The team had already made some 100 minor design changes to avoid the Delhi and Pune fiascos.
(AMTS) route network as the criteria, a network of roads covering about 155 kilometers in length have been identified for developing the Bus Rapid Transit System within Ahmedabad.
Station - Interior. This station will cater to Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Office, University Ground, AES (Ahmedabad Education Society)'s Ground and Physical Research Laboratory.
operations but also the rationalised routing plan for AMTS
operations. This is necessary so that the two systems compliment each other rather than compete with each other. In terms of routes following three types of routes are structured to operate transit services - BRT
Trunk Routes, Complementary Routes (AMTS
)and BRT
Feeder Routes.
Routes under construction.
1 Vadaj-Gota (5.75 km)
2 Vasna-Sabarmati (15 km)
3 Shivranjani Crossroad-Kalupur VIA Shreyas, New Bridge, Station(11.57 km)
4 Thaltej to Kalupur
(9.1 km)
4 Sattadhar to Kalupur (9.55 km)
5 Ghatlodia to Vadaj (4.92 km)
6 Sabarmati to Sarkhej VIA Ashram Road (17.63 km)
7 Sabarmati - Kalupur (8.98 km)
8 Station-Narol-Lambha (8.44 km)
9 Station-Jasodanagar Crossroad-Hathijan (12.81 km)
10 Kalupur to Odhav (9.49 km)
11 Kalupur to Naroda (10.29 km)
12 Thaltej-Narol-Lambha (University Road) (17.15 km)
13 Sarkhej to Gota (12.45 km)
14 Paldi
to Station VIA Jamalpur (OPTIONAL CONNECTION) (3.25 km)
15 ISKCON Temple to Vasna VIA Nehru Nagar Circle (6.35 km)
16 kalupur to Airport (10 km)
1. Mr. Anil Mukim
- Former Municipal Commissioner, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)
2. Mr. P.J Pujari - Secretary, Economic Affairs, Finance Department
3. Mr. Jayant Parimal - CEO, Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB)
4.Mr. K. Srinivas - Managing Director, Gujarat Urban Development Company (GUDC)
, Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority and Government of Gujarat
. It is presently envisaged that private operators selected through competitive bidding will carry out bus operations.
AJL will soon introduce smart cards for commuters. Regular BRTS passengers will be able to buy these smart cards, which will function similar to the monthly pass system for state transport and AMTS buses. The AJL will, however, offer many schemes for the users of their smart cards. The commuters will be able to buy the smart cards at INR
500 apiece and the fare for each journey will be deducted from this amount. For example, for a journey from the RTO to Nehrunagar costing INR
5, this amount will be deducted from the INR
500 paid for the smart card. Hence, the commuters will not have to carry money for the fare every time they travel on the BRTS buses. At present, paper tickets are available at the special ticket windows at the BRTS stations. There are turnstile machines near the ticket windows, where the commuters can have their tickets punched to allow them entry inside the stations.
and are frequently breaking down. The AMC is now looking into getting Volvo
or Mercedes Benz buses that have air-conditioning and have been used successfully in other BRTS around the world.
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad also known as Karnavati is the largest city in Gujarat, India. It is the former capital of Gujarat and is also the judicial capital of Gujarat as the Gujarat High Court has its seat in Ahmedabad...
, recognizing that no single mode would cater to the mobility needs of the city and that ‘Bus’ forms the most critical segment of the public transport system in the Ahmedabad city. GIDB has thereby entrusted the system design task to CEPT University
CEPT University
Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology University is an academic institution located in Ahmedabad, India offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in areas of natural and developed environment of human society and related disciplines.-History:The , a premier educational body...
. A part of first corridor connecting Pirana to R.T.O. was opened to public on October 14, 2009 by Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi
Narendra Damodardas Modi is the current Chief Minister of the Indian state of Gujarat.He was born in a middle class family in Vadnagar; and is a member of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since childhood, as also an active politician since early in life. He holds a masters degree in political...
.
Overview
Ahmedabad is a city with present population of 72 lakhLakh
A lakh is a unit in the Indian numbering system equal to one hundred thousand . It is widely used both in official and other contexts in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and is often used in Indian English.-Usage:...
s (7.2 million)., which is likely to be 11 million by the year 2035. This would lead to agglomeration of surrounding settlements like Naroda
Naroda
Naroda is a suburban town in Bapunagar, northeast of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. With the establishment of the Naroda Industrial Area in the 1980s, the town flourished; it was incorporated into Ahmedabad in 1996...
and other smaller villages, which ultimately increases the area of the city, which may become 1,000 km2 in the year 2035. Moreover, about 1/3 of total as well as student population reside within walking distance from the proposed BRTS network. Thus, there is a growing need for greater accessibility to basic amenities and opportunities for mobility in the city. In such a state of rapid urbanization, it is very essential to have an efficient and rapid transit system, which will sustain and accelerate the growth of the city. In order to cater this future demand, the city and State Government has initiated a Plan for Integrated Public Transit System, in which Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) is one of the components. This will facilitate the major mobility need of the people. In future, this system will get integrated with Ahmedabad Metro
Ahmedabad Metro
Metrolink Express for Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad is the proposed mass-transit rail system for the cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, India....
by the addition of two lines running through east to west and north to south.
In addition, after the implementation of Ahmedabad BRTS and MetroLink Express Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) would be easily accessible through a multimodal mix of Rapid Transport Systems.
Unlike other Indian BRTS projects, this project is on full-swing and the system designs are quite similar to Curitiba
Curitiba
Curitiba is the capital of the Brazilian state of Paraná. It is the largest city with the biggest economy of both Paraná and southern Brazil. The population of Curitiba numbers approximately 1.75 million people and the latest GDP figures for the city surpass US$61 billion according to...
's Rede Integrada de Transporte
Rede Integrada de Transporte
Rede Integrada de Transporte is a bus rapid transit system in Curitiba, Brazil. The RIT was implemented in 1974 becoming the first BRT system in the world....
and Bogota
Bogotá
Bogotá, Distrito Capital , from 1991 to 2000 called Santa Fé de Bogotá, is the capital, and largest city, of Colombia. It is also designated by the national constitution as the capital of the department of Cundinamarca, even though the city of Bogotá now comprises an independent Capital district...
's TransMilenio
TransMilenio
TransMilenio is a bus rapid transit system that serves Bogotá, the capital of Colombia. The system opened to the public in December 2000, covering Av. Caracas and Calle 80...
which are exceptionally better than Delhi BRTS and Pune BRTS. By following this system Chennai BRTS
Chennai BRTS
Chennai Bus Rapid Transit System is a new rapid transit project taken up as an integrated part of Circular Corridor Project. Beginning at Adyar, the route will cover Saidapet, Jafferkanpet, Ramavaram, Puzhal, Manali, Chennai Central Railway Station, Lighthouse and will return to Adyar. The...
and Bangalore BRTS
Bangalore BRTS
Starting with a comprehensive report in 2007, and even earlier, several proposals have been made to implement Bus Rapid Transport System in Bangalore...
are also under implementation.
Second half of the first phase of the BRTS was inaugurated on December 25, 2009, birthdate of Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Atal Bihari Vajpayee is an Indian statesman who served as the tenth Prime Minister of India three times – first for a brief term of 13 days in 1996, and then for two terms from 1998 to 2004. After his first brief period as Prime Minister in 1996, Vajpayee headed a coalition government from...
, former Prime Minister of India. Phase I was stretched up to Kankaria
Kankaria
Kankaria is the biggest lake in Ahmedabad . Many kings, or badshah, used to bathe in this lake. With an approximate circumference of 1.4 miles , it represents the regale history of Ahmedabad...
Lake, to cater eastern part of the city also. It was the first time that BRTS buses crossed river & reached Maningar, the most developed area of the city. It was inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
City Transportation Planning
Prof.H.M Shivanand Swamy, an economist and urban planner by training and is the Associate Director, CEPT UniversityCEPT University
Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology University is an academic institution located in Ahmedabad, India offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in areas of natural and developed environment of human society and related disciplines.-History:The , a premier educational body...
spearheaded the planning and implementation of BRTS in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad also known as Karnavati is the largest city in Gujarat, India. It is the former capital of Gujarat and is also the judicial capital of Gujarat as the Gujarat High Court has its seat in Ahmedabad...
by mapping various corridors and feeder networks. Besides giving priority to buses, the system is designed to provide dedicated lanes for pedestrian and non-motorized vehicles like cycles and rickshaws etc.
Feasibility Report (2005): First study initiated by the state project development agency, Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board, initiated preparation of a feasibility report for bus rapid transit system. The study, based on a detailed assessment of demand, socio-economic characteristics and technical feasibility, identified BRTS development over 58 kilometers of road network.
Detailed Project Report (2005): Based on the feasibility report prepared by CEPT
CEPT
CEPT may refer to:* The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations* The CEPT, Ahmedabad* The Committee of European Pharmacy Technicians * Common Effective Preferential Tariff...
, a detailed project report for submission under JNNURM program of the Government of India
Government of India
The Government of India, officially known as the Union Government, and also known as the Central Government, was established by the Constitution of India, and is the governing authority of the union of 28 states and seven union territories, collectively called the Republic of India...
was prepared by CEPT
CEPT
CEPT may refer to:* The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations* The CEPT, Ahmedabad* The Committee of European Pharmacy Technicians * Common Effective Preferential Tariff...
. The project has been sanctioned by the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India
Government of India
The Government of India, officially known as the Union Government, and also known as the Central Government, was established by the Constitution of India, and is the governing authority of the union of 28 states and seven union territories, collectively called the Republic of India...
. The project report included detailed planning of roadway as well as development of other supporting infrastructure and operating systems.
Detailed System Design and Implementation Support (2006-ongoing):BRTS- Ahmedabad is under implementation. Detailed system design and support during construction is being provided by CEPT
CEPT
CEPT may refer to:* The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations* The CEPT, Ahmedabad* The Committee of European Pharmacy Technicians * Common Effective Preferential Tariff...
team. The team had already made some 100 minor design changes to avoid the Delhi and Pune fiascos.
Selection of Corridors
Based on an analysis of the socio-economic factors, travel demand patterns, road network characteristics, proposed metro plan and existing Ahmedabad Municipal Transport ServiceAhmedabad Municipal Transport Service
Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service or AMTS runs the public bus service in the city of Ahmedabad in India. At present, AMTS has 750 buses servicing the city. In addition AMTS is also responsible for 50 BRTS buses, and 100 feeder buses...
(AMTS) route network as the criteria, a network of roads covering about 155 kilometers in length have been identified for developing the Bus Rapid Transit System within Ahmedabad.
Station - Interior. This station will cater to Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Office, University Ground, AES (Ahmedabad Education Society)'s Ground and Physical Research Laboratory.
Corridors
Given the expected travel demand on each corridor, BRTS solutions are structured.The operations plan developed not only provides route structure for BRTBRT
BRT may refer to:* "Be right there" in Internet slang.* Baltic Rubber Trade, Ltd., owner of the BRT trademark.* Bayrak Radyo Televizyon Kurumu is the national public broadcaster of Northern Cyprus....
operations but also the rationalised routing plan for AMTS
Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service
Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service or AMTS runs the public bus service in the city of Ahmedabad in India. At present, AMTS has 750 buses servicing the city. In addition AMTS is also responsible for 50 BRTS buses, and 100 feeder buses...
operations. This is necessary so that the two systems compliment each other rather than compete with each other. In terms of routes following three types of routes are structured to operate transit services - BRT
BRT
BRT may refer to:* "Be right there" in Internet slang.* Baltic Rubber Trade, Ltd., owner of the BRT trademark.* Bayrak Radyo Televizyon Kurumu is the national public broadcaster of Northern Cyprus....
Trunk Routes, Complementary Routes (AMTS
Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service
Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service or AMTS runs the public bus service in the city of Ahmedabad in India. At present, AMTS has 750 buses servicing the city. In addition AMTS is also responsible for 50 BRTS buses, and 100 feeder buses...
)and BRT
BRT
BRT may refer to:* "Be right there" in Internet slang.* Baltic Rubber Trade, Ltd., owner of the BRT trademark.* Bayrak Radyo Televizyon Kurumu is the national public broadcaster of Northern Cyprus....
Feeder Routes.
Operational Routes
| Route | Number of stations | Length | Network Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| R.T.O - Kankaria Lake | 26 | 18 kilometres (11.2 mi) | |
| Kankaria Lake - Maninagar Railway Station - Kankaria Telephone Exchange | 7 | 4.65 kilometres (2.9 mi) | |
| Dani Limbda to Narol | 5 | 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) | |
| Narol - Naroda Patiya | 20 | 21.59 kilometres (13.4 mi) | |
| RTO to Dilli Darwaja | 8 | 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) | |
Phase I
Routes under construction.
| Route | Number of stations | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naroda Patiya to Naroda Gaam | ~2 kilometres (1.2 mi) | ||
| Dilli Darwaja to Naroda Patiya | 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) | ||
| Shah Alam to Sarangpur to Soni ni Chali | 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) | ||
| Shivranjani to ISKCON | 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) | Projected to be opened by May 2011 | |
Phase II
| Route | Number of stations | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Ranip to Chandkheda | 6.6 kilometres (4.1 mi) | |
| AEC to Sola | ||
| ISKCON to Bopal | 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) | |
| Soni ni Chali to Odhav | 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) | |
| Nehrunagar to Ellisbridge | 6.2 kilometres (3.9 mi) | |
| RTO to Chandkheda | 6.34 kilometres (3.9 mi) | |
1 Vadaj-Gota (5.75 km)
2 Vasna-Sabarmati (15 km)
3 Shivranjani Crossroad-Kalupur VIA Shreyas, New Bridge, Station(11.57 km)
4 Thaltej to Kalupur
Kalupur
-Location:Kalupur is the central part of Ahmedabad city. Kalupur Bus Station runs buses to all major destinations in Ahmedabad city. The station is operated by Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service .Ahmedabad railway station is also at Kalupur....
(9.1 km)
4 Sattadhar to Kalupur (9.55 km)
5 Ghatlodia to Vadaj (4.92 km)
6 Sabarmati to Sarkhej VIA Ashram Road (17.63 km)
7 Sabarmati - Kalupur (8.98 km)
8 Station-Narol-Lambha (8.44 km)
9 Station-Jasodanagar Crossroad-Hathijan (12.81 km)
10 Kalupur to Odhav (9.49 km)
11 Kalupur to Naroda (10.29 km)
12 Thaltej-Narol-Lambha (University Road) (17.15 km)
13 Sarkhej to Gota (12.45 km)
14 Paldi
Paldi
Paldi is an affluent area located in South Western Ahmedabad, India. Corporate offices & City centres of many national & international companies like ICICI Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland, Religare, , , are located within Paldi. It accommodates Sanskar Kendra museum by the renowned architect Le...
to Station VIA Jamalpur (OPTIONAL CONNECTION) (3.25 km)
15 ISKCON Temple to Vasna VIA Nehru Nagar Circle (6.35 km)
16 kalupur to Airport (10 km)
Steering Committee
The Bus Rapid Transit Project for Ahmedabad city has been guided by the steering committee chaired by Shri. K. Kailashnathan, (I.A.S), Secretary, Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, Government of Gujarat.1. Mr. Anil Mukim
Anil Mukim
Anil Mukim is a senior civil servant in the Government of India, holding the position of Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce & Industry in New Delhi...
- Former Municipal Commissioner, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)
2. Mr. P.J Pujari - Secretary, Economic Affairs, Finance Department
3. Mr. Jayant Parimal - CEO, Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB)
4.Mr. K. Srinivas - Managing Director, Gujarat Urban Development Company (GUDC)
Ahmedabad Janmarg Limited
Ahmedabad Janmarg Limited (AJL), the parent company which would govern BRTS operations in the city, is constituted as a Special Purpose Vehicle by Ahmedabad Municipal CorporationAhmedabad Municipal Corporation
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation or the AMC, established in July 1950 under the Bombay Provincial Corporation Act, 1949, is responsible for the civic infrastructure and administration of the city of Ahmedabad.-Vision:...
, Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority and Government of Gujarat
Government of Gujarat
The Government of Gujarat also known as the State Government of Gujarat, or locally as State Government, is the supreme governing authority of the Indian state of Gujarat and its 26 districts...
. It is presently envisaged that private operators selected through competitive bidding will carry out bus operations.
AJL will soon introduce smart cards for commuters. Regular BRTS passengers will be able to buy these smart cards, which will function similar to the monthly pass system for state transport and AMTS buses. The AJL will, however, offer many schemes for the users of their smart cards. The commuters will be able to buy the smart cards at INR
Indian rupee
The Indian rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The issuance of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India....
500 apiece and the fare for each journey will be deducted from this amount. For example, for a journey from the RTO to Nehrunagar costing INR
Indian rupee
The Indian rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The issuance of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India....
5, this amount will be deducted from the INR
Indian rupee
The Indian rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The issuance of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India....
500 paid for the smart card. Hence, the commuters will not have to carry money for the fare every time they travel on the BRTS buses. At present, paper tickets are available at the special ticket windows at the BRTS stations. There are turnstile machines near the ticket windows, where the commuters can have their tickets punched to allow them entry inside the stations.
Buses
The buses currently operating on the BRTS are Tata Buses, which don't have air conditioningAir conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
and are frequently breaking down. The AMC is now looking into getting Volvo
Volvo
AB Volvo is a Swedish builder of commercial vehicles, including trucks, buses and construction equipment. Volvo also supplies marine and industrial drive systems, aerospace components and financial services...
or Mercedes Benz buses that have air-conditioning and have been used successfully in other BRTS around the world.
Awards
- Janmarg takes Ahmedabad to elite global club
- Ahmedabad (BRTS), India Wins (Global) 2010 Sustainable Transport Award
- Ahmedabad Janmarg BRTS brings honour to Gujarat (Awarded Best Mass Rapid Transit System in India during 2009)
See also
- MetroLink Express Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International AirportSardar Vallabhbhai Patel International AirportSardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is India's eighth busiest airport with an average of 250 aircraft movements a day. It services the metropolitan areas of two cities in the State of Gujarat - Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The airport is located from the Ahmedabad Railway Station. It is...
External links
- Official Ahmedabad BRTS Website
- Ahmedabad BRTS Fare Structure
- CEPT University BRT Report - Ahmedabad Traffic Analysis
- Ahmedabad BRTS on Google Map
- Official Ahmedabad BRTS Photo Gallery
- Ahmedabad BRTS Inauguration Photo Gallery
- Ahmedabad BRTS "Best Mass Transit Project Award" Photo Gallery
- Ahmedabad BRTS
- Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service-- not a valid link
- Developed Ahmedabad impresses World Bank
- Ahmedabad BRTS is the best, says Expert
- Ahmedabad cancels BRTS Tenders
- Institute for Transportation and Development Policy
- Ahmedabad kicks off Rs.500 Crore BRTS Project
- AMC in learning mode after Delhi BRTS problems