Swiss team coming soon for preparing DPR on e-RT service between Hubballi and Dharwad
Labour Minister Santosh Lad has said that as per a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the State government and a Swiss company, the officials of the latter will soon visit Hubballi-Dharwad to study and prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) on e-RT (Electric Rapid Transit) between the twin cities.
Speaking to presspersons in Dharwad on Monday, Mr. Lad, however, clarified that there has been no deadline set for submission of the DPR but it is likely to take four months.
The Minister said that after submission of the DPR, the State government will study the proposal and its economic feasibility. Subsequently, a meeting of all the stakeholders will be convened to discuss the related issues, he said.
Initial discussions with the company officials have revealed that out of the proposed 23 km e-RT, 20 km will be elevated, which will not only ease traffic density but also help commuters reach their destination in time, he said.
Mr. Lad said that compared to the 33 stops between Hubballi and Dharwad under the existing BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System), the focus will be on reducing the number of stops under the proposed e-RT.
On the 23-km stretch, the likely stops will be three or four, he added.
To a query, Mr. Lad said that the government is positive on the economic feasibility of the proposed project and personally, he felt that the project will be a reality soon.
For the record, Hubballi-Dharwad already have a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) managed by Hubballi Dharwad BRTS Limited.
In the wake of complaints and lacunae in the existing transport system, a proposal on e-RT was mooted several months ago.
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