A Project Report on “Assessment/Performance Analysis of BRTS in Pune”

Sandeep Kumar Baranwal

MA Economics

2009-11

Transport Economics Assignment

Acknowledgement

I pay my deep sense of gratitude to “Mr. Ajit Wagmare” the managing director of BRTS-PMPML
Swargate for his valuable insight on my project report preparation.

I also pay my gratitude to my faculty “Dr. Sriraman” for guiding me throughout with supporting articles.

Objective of the Study

To gain insight on the workings and administration of BRTS in Pune and to investigate the performance
of BRTS in Pune over a period of one year

Methodology of the Study

The Report on the Assessment/Performance Analysis of BRTS in Pune is based on Experimental Design
Report Preparation Format

Limitations of the Study

The Analysis is based on a few parameters

Sample size is small

Introduction to the Topic of the Project Report

Assessment of BRTS in Pune is done to ensure that the result that was expected of such implementation
actually resulted in a larger sense.

Pune is a beautiful city with population of 5.28 mn (2009 estimate) and an area of 244 sq. km. it is
considered a nature-endowed city which is under threat of unchecked migration and increasing
pollution level. There is an every time concern with regard to reducing pollution level. Pune city is
reported to have inefficient and insufficient public transportation system, high road accident rate and
higher number of private vehicles too. One option that was worked out to tackle the situation from the
administration side was introduction of BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System) in Pune. Under JNNURM,
Ministry of Urban Development (2005-06) it was decided that for the city with population of more than
4 mn , central government would provide financial support to an extent of 35% to implement BRTS.
Pune became the first city to undertake the BRTS Project in the zone of Swargate-Katraj-Hadapsar with
an initial investment of Rs. 62.31 crore with effect from 2nd December 2006.

This Report analyses the qualitative and quantitative aspects of performance analysis from the point of
view of Management, Commuters and Drivers and Conductors. Then a comparison of the findings is
made against the findings of Central Institute of Road Transport to see a larger picture

Performance Analysis of BRTS in Pune (March 2009-March 2010)

The Managing Director of BRTS-PMPML Swargate says that BRTS in Pune is on the verge to perform
better than expectation in years to come. As for now less than 50000 passengers benefits from BRTS
Facility. Year-on –Year variation analysis shows that commuters have declined over the covered period.
This was as a result of hike in prices which is in his opinion is a temporary outcome. The revenue
collection over the period march 2009 to march 2010 shows a decline of 25%. From this however a
conclusion should not be drawn that BRTS would be an expensive affair for the city of Pune. BRTS is one
way of ensuring that the city’s transport system is made efficient. The Managing Director firmly believes
that it is a major step towards reducing congestion level and vehicle level in the city.

Over the given period there was only one major accident. Introduction of BRTS is more environmental
friendly and has reduced the fuel consumption and maintenance cost for the buses.

The management has the plan to bring more lanes in BRTS circle.

As far as commuters are concerned, some has expressed the relevance of BRTS in Pune and others
remain dis-satisfied. Passengers were found with different reasons to board the BRTS Bus. Among the
important factors Passengers considered factors like AC Volvo, Time Factor, Segregated Bus Lane, and
Platform Level Boarding to be of great importance. Many agreed upon the fact that travelling on BRTS
Bus saves time and that it is convenient to board the bus. Many also agreed on the point that the BRTS
buses run on time as there are dedicated lanes for such buses and has greatly eased their stress level of
travelling.
Even Drivers and Conductors appeared to be satisfied with implementations of BRTS Project in Pune.
According to them, it is easy to drive on the dedicated lane and hence, avoid accidents. The travel time
per kilometer is less in comparison to that of Non-BRTS buses as there are specified stations on which
buses stop and that there is a dedicated lane for the same.

Overall, BRTS in Pune is a boon for the city.

However Central Institute of Road Transport has a different story to say. It questions the need of such
a project in Pune. Some of the findings of this institute include

(Extracts obtained from internet publication of Central Institute of Road Transport)

1.It is tragic that the average total passenger trips across all these different routes (proposed for BRTS) is just 8170 / hour.

2. Peak hour is not defined anywhere. It is vital to know this, as it may differ for different routes.

3. Average length of BRTS routes = 2.8 miles or 4.5 km.

4. Points 1 and 3 suggest that BRTS on such a massive scale is not required for the city.

5. Still worse is the fact that Passenger Trips on Buses / total passenger trips for several roads is above 50% already!!

€ Bibwewadi Road = 69.75

€ Saswad Road = 68.46

€ Satara Road = 66.78

€ Ahmednagar Road = 66.31

€ Sangamwadi to Kharadi IT Park = 66.31

€ Yerawada to Bhairoba Nala = 61.63

€ Paud Road = 60.83

€ Solapur Road = 57

€ Old Mumbai Road = 56.88

Having observed the findings from the empirical sources and placing it vis-à-vis findings of Central
Institute of Road Transport it can be concluded that BRTS in Pune has met welfare aspect of the system.
It is yet to comply with financial criterion of performance analysis.