1L auto permits --100 more CR services

• Govt to allot 1L auto permits from tomorrow

• MUMBAI: Expect more autos on city roads in 2016 as the state government will begin the process of alloting one lakh autorickshaw permits from Monday. These permits, most of which are ones that have lapsed over the years, will be alloted through an online lottery process.
  It may be recalled that the transport ministry had recently announced one lakh new permits for the region to enable presence of more autos on the road. This will not only benefit commuters but also reduce number of refusal cases and ensure more autos on share routes.
  Those applying for permits should not have a crime record, possess a domicile certificate and should have basic knowledge of local language (Marathi). A senior transport official said: "We have asked those whose permits have lapsed to get them revived latest by December 15. After this, their permits will be permanently cancelled and they will not be allowed to join the online lottery process as well. Besides, those who currently have auto permits cannot participate in the lottery."
  The online lottery details will soon be put up on mahaonline website. "We are starting the process from Monday and we will be working out the modalities," a source from transport commissioner's office said.
• ‘If level crossings go, 100 more CR services for Thane-Kalyan’e potential to introduce 100 more services in the over-crowded belt between Thane and Kalyan, provided the state government helps in elimination of level-crossing gates and speeds up execution of fifth and sixth lines between Thane and Diva.
  As against 611 services for Dombivli and 550 for Kalyan, CR is able to run only 430 services for Kalva, Mumbra, Diva and Kopar stations. At Thakurli, the number of services stands at a mere 369.
  In 2011, CR converted all services to 12 cars, besides introducing 15-car services. As a result, the number of coaches has increased by 16 per cent from 2010. Comparatively, the number of coaches in Thane and Kalyan have increased by 10 per cent and by 12 per cent in Dombivli since 2010.
  A senior CR official said, "Elimination of level crossings should be given priority," further explaining, "In the late '90s, flyovers began to spring up across the city to reduce congestion at intersections. Similarly, we need to build overbridges and eliminate level crossings, which affect the punctuality."
  On an average, these level crossing gates are opened 80 times between 2-4 minutes. Between Kalyan-Diva, there are six lines and it impacts punctuality in the slow, fast and long-distance corridors."
  He added, "What we need is infusion of more services in Kalva-Diva belt to reduce overcrowding. This will also partly eliminate the problem of accidents due to falling from train, witnessed in large numbers in this belt."
  On September 28, Bhavesh Nakate (21), whose accidental death video had gone viral, had fallen off a crowded moving local between Diva and Kopar stations.
  The official said, "Our focus is primarily on introduction of new services in this belt. Last time, when the timetable was revised, we had introduced 14 services in Kalva-Kopar, 23 in Dombivli and 27 in Kalyan and beyond. Still, the problem of overcrowding persists."
  The Thane-Diva fifth and sixth lines project, expected to bring relief, has also been delayed due to political interference. A senior MRVC official said, "The relief and rehabilitation issue is not yet resolved as some politicians want alternate accommodation for those who are not eligible. The project was supposed to get over in June this year, but it now has a deadline of December 2017."