[sustran] Re: wb loan

[Bina CBalakrishnan]

Dear Walter, Mr.Kisan Mehta:

I had read Mr Mehta's answers to Walter's queries dated 2nd March 
on the World Bank aided MUTP for Mumbai and had not intended 
commenting on them. However, in view of this latest note, and esp. 
Walter's comments, I think it's time for some clarifications.

I am a Transportation Planner, and have done some work in this 
field in Mumbai.

I had earlier sent my comments as a file attachment, but Paul 
responded saying that the sustran-discuss list could not handle 
file attachments. So I have redone the entire discussion in two 
separate letters, which follow this one. I have had to retain all 
of Mr. Mehta's comments, as only then does mine make any sense. 
However, I have not responded to all of them, as that would REALLY 
take up your time!  I have condensed Walter's questions to some 
extent, for the sake of brevity.
This makes for rather cumbersome reading- but please bear with us! 
Thank you.

Regards,

Bina C. Balakrishnan
Consultant,
Transportation Planning and Engineering
Mumbai
e-mail: binac at rediffmail.com


On Thu, 07 Mar 2002 kisan mehta wrote :
>Dear Walter and Sustran Friends,
>
>The Times of India carries this morning a news report saying that 
>the World Bank money would start flowing from June 2002 for the 
>MUTP.  Mr Ed Dotson's name is mentioned in the news item. We are 
>not sure whether our morning message reached Walter on what we 
>should achieve for sustainable transport.  Hence we repeat 
>hereunder:
>
>!.  Two road subprojects should comprise of 4 carriageway lanes 
>and pavementof 4 m on both sides.  The MSRDC and MMRDA has not 
>carried out any study to establish need for constructing six 
>lanes and no pavements.  Six lane plus pavements would 
>necessitate
>considerable reclamation and should be avoided.
>
>2.  Many Mumbai roads do not have pavements,  The MMRDA
>should carry out survey with the help of citrizens and make a 
>comprehensive programme for providing pavements where they do not 
>exist and restore where in bad shape.  This may require Rs 10 to 
>15 billion.  The present MUTP should have a component for 
>constructing pavements with allocation of  Rs 2 billion. Mun 
>should be asked to prepare priority schedule for utilising Rs 2 
>billion in
>consultation with citizens.  There is no need to engage
>consultancy firm for the preparation of programme.
>
>2. Road overbridges over railway tracks not having pavements 
>should not be included in the MUTP.  With level crossing 
>officially closed and pavements not provided on road overbridges, 
>fatalities on tracks are bound to increase as pedestrianswould 
>jump over the
>tracks.   For ensuring faster speed to trains, all level 
>crossings without exception should be replaced by grade separated 
>road overbridges having pavements.
>
>3.   Parking of 2, 3 and 4 wheelers on pavements should be 
>banned.
>
>4.  Citizens should be involved in the monitoring of the MUTP 
>during and after implementation. Programmes coming under railway 
>subprojects should be reviewed
>involving citizens and rationalised with their active support.  
>Best wishes.
>
>Kisan Mehta and Priya Salvi
>
>----- Original Message -----
> From: Walter Hook <whook at igc.org>
>To: <kisansbc at vsnl.com>
>Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2002 9:57 PM
>Subject: wb loan
>
>
> > Dear Kisan and Priya,
> >
> > Thanks.  This is very clear.  I forwarded it to Ed to see what 
>he says.
> > I should see him or talk to him at the end of the month and 
>will let you know if i learn anything about what happened in the 
>negotations.
> >
> > best
> > walter
> >
> > Access ITDP's New Website: www.ITDP.org
> > The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy
> > 115 W. 30th Street - Suite 1205 - New York, NY 10001 - USA
> > tel: (212) 629-8001  fax: (212) 629-8033
>
>
>