Lieutenant-Governor again seeks proposal from government

Lieutenant-governor Najeeb Jung has again asked for details of the Delhi government’s proposal to create dedicated bus lanes in the city. So the plan to impose fine of Rs 2,000 on motorists obstructing plying of buses in dedicated lanes is likely to be delayed further. Mr Jung again asked for the file on the bus lane proposal nearly a month after he had given his go-ahead to the AAP government to create such lanes on major roads, but with certain riders.

Sources in the Kejriwal government said the city transport department has again sent the file related to the proposal to the lieutenant-governor’s office and expressed “disappointment” over the development as the bus lane project is already delayed so much.

“The L-G has once again sought draft notification of the proposal pertaining to creation of the bus lanes on major roads and imposition of fine of Rs 2,000 on motorists obstructing plying of buses in their dedicated lanes. In June, the L-G had given his go-ahead, but don’t know why he has again sought the file despite the fact that we have incorporated traffic police’s views also, as asked by the L-G’s office, in the draft notification,” a source said.

On June 6, Mr Jung had approved the Kejriwal government’s proposal to create bus lanes, but also asked it to come clean on some issues, including plying of goods vehicles in bus lanes and relaxation to emergency vehicles, in the notification to be issued and also ensure smooth movement of traffic and maintenance of public order.

Mr Jung had also asked the AAP dispensation to hold formal consultation with Delhi traffic police and incorporate its inputs in the notification. Earlier in March, the lieutenant-governor had sought a clarification from the Delhi government on this proposal to create dedicated bus lanes. The Arvind Kejriwal government had on June 3 sent back the proposal after making “minor” changes.