West Bengal is facing an important election this month. While all political parties are vying to win votes with promised to boost development projects, it is important for the voters to know what they define as development. I believe this is the right time to articulate what we, the voters, want from the next government in West Bengal.
We expect the new government to ensure an environment-friendly, safe and efficient transport system. As somebody involved with the state’s transport planning for many years as an expert on behalf of my organisation, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur; I would like to point at five key steps that are necessary:
First, to develop an effective core public transport system by integrating buses, ferries, metro and tram services. The government should explore how trams can continue as an effective transport mode in the city; a key step in this era of surging air pollution and climate change.
Second, to create and properly implement a clear policy for the appropriate use and regulation of autos and e-rickshaws (totos). Presently a lot of irregularity, illegality and overlapping are involved vis-à-vis using these last mile modes. Often, we find that these feeder modes are competing with the main transport modes like buses, which is not desirable. It is to be kept in mind that the autos and totos should act complimentary to the main modes to strengthen the overall public transport system.
Third, to build safe and adequate infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, including proper facilities for road crossing. Kolkata, once known as the city with maximum convenience for walking within the metros across the country, has gradually moved into the opposite direction. In the face of rapid urbanisation across the state, a close review is necessary to create safe facilities to promote usage of eco-friendly transport modes, such as cycling and walking across all district headquarter cities.
Fourth, to reduce road accidents and fatalities through coordinated, science-based actions, with the help of all relevant government departments. We must keep in mind that presently around 6,000 people get killed due to road accidents every year, which underlines the importance of pursuing and implementing a safe system approach in a holistic manner. A ‘safe system approach’ means suitable intervention with respect to safe roads, safe vehicles, safe speed, safe road users and efficient post-accident care. Moreover, pedestrian and vehicle discipline should be strictly imposed by the administration.
Fifth, to provide proper training for all officials, police personnel and drivers associated with the transport system, including both technical and legal aspects, so that they can effectively counter the huge transport load in the state, particularly in Kolkata, considering the low proportion of road space in the majority of our cities.
I believe most of the above-mentioned tasks are low-hanging and highly doable. All said and done, we must accept that Kolkata’s transport mechanism, particularly vehicle movement, is better than most other metro cities but, we need to build on that advantage.
Bhargab Maitra is a professor in the civil engineering department of IIT, Kharagpur, specialising in transport engineering