ERP for private vehicles in Mangaluru: Senthil Kumar
MANGALURU: In a bid to provide a smooth functioning of public transport and to reduce the traffic congestion, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil suggested to introduce Electronic Road Price (ERP) in the city.
The DC briefed about the ERP to media persons after proposing it in the RTA meeting recently.
Senthil said "Mangaluru - being one of the developing cities, is facing major traffic which has made it difficult for people to travel around the city. It is better to implement ERP for private vehicles which are unnecessarily entering the city. Under ERP system, private vehicle owners have to pay a certain amount to enter the city during peak hours. As it is an electronic system, the amount will be deducted directly from e-wallets of the vehicle's owner. Similar systems have already been implemented in Singapore, and they have seen excellent results from this."
He said "soon, a meeting In this regard will be held with the officials of Mangaluru City Corporation and elected representatives. The minute details like the type of vehicles to be brought under ERP system, area and amount will be fixed after taking suggestions in various phases."
Appropriate as per healthcare
Senthil said "Increase in the traffic movement leads to widening of roads. Due to which, old buildings and monuments in the city are facing problems. With the regulation of ERP system, private vehicles' entry will be reduced in the city. With that, we can get rid of traffic congestion and air pollution also."
"At present, this system (ERP) does not exist in our country. If this system gets implemented in Mangaluru, It will become a model for rest of the cities in India. The ERP system, which does not require any major investment, can be introduced along with the Smart City mission," he said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
