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Centre appoints omnipotent panel on inter-state transport woes
For the hassled commuters shuttling between Delhi and satellite towns of Ghaziabad, Gurgaon and Faridabad, here's some good news. Now, you will get answers to all your conveyance blues with a special committee set up by the central government to resolve the inter-state transport matters.
As the urban development ministry's initiative to ensure smooth movement of autos, taxis and chartered buses in the NCR still lies in tatters, the committee which will be chaired by Urban Development Secretary M Ramchandran, has been formed to end the deadlock.
M Ramachandra told MiD DAY, "As the plan to ensure hassle-free rides to inter-state commuters has suffered severe setback, the special committee will take measures to resolve the issue."
Moreover, the committee will take over long-pending issues. "Its mandate will be final for the states involved in any dispute," he added.
Another official, requesting anonymity, said, this deadlock is nothing but a case of unhealthy politics among these states. "Delhi Transport Department operates private buses into Noida. Now, UP government also wants to operate its buses in the capital on city routes, which is the main bone of contention. But, citing Supreme Court order the capital is not allowing other states' vehicles in the city," said the UD official.
Traveling has turned into a nightmare for the inter-state commuters. "Though Delhi Metro has given little relief, but that is not enough," said an official of the National Capital Region (NCR) Board.
Commuters are paying for the 'political tussles' between the governments of neighboring states. "An auto ride is nearly impossible. Drivers argue they would be challaned. The buses are impossible for ladies, children and senior citizens to travel on. How should we commute then? questions, Urvashi Dagar, a resident of Noida, who works with a BPO in Delhi.
Transport row
Delhi and Uttar Pradesh had been at loggerheads since November 2006 over the plying of buses between the
two states.
Despite repeated interventions by National Capital Region Board, no solution has been reached yet. | 
