High Court’s Indore Bench stresses BRTS work alongside SIR:Officials rebuked for removing only one railing section in 10 months; orders speedy completion immediately

The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Indore Bench stressed that removal of BRTS railings and related traffic management work is as important as the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise on Wednesday.
A double bench heard public interest petitions regarding the stalled BRTS work, worsening traffic, and illegal use of vehicle horns by private operators. Court points out delay in BRTS work The bench noted that in Bhopal, a similar BRTS railing removal decision was executed within just 9 days, widening the road. In contrast, in Indore, almost 10 months have passed, and only a single section of railing has been removed. A debate of nearly 15 minutes ensued on this delay. Earlier, a hearing scheduled for December 16 could not take place as the Collector and Municipal Commissioner sought an exemption, citing ongoing SIR work. They requested time until 16 February to appear before the court. On Wednesday, the court, expressing displeasure, instructed officials that BRTS work cannot be postponed and they must appear in court by 2:30 PM without fail. Government advocates were also directed to ensure the presence of officials. Top officials present in court Following the court’s directive, Collector Shivam Verma, Municipal Commissioner Dilip Yadav, and Traffic DCP Anand Kalandgi appeared before the division bench at 2:30 PM. Petitioner Rajlakshmi Foundation’s advocate Ajay Bagdia thanked the court, saying the orders ensured substantial work progress. The next hearing has been scheduled for 12 January. Traffic situation improves only partially Bagdia highlighted that the removal of railings on one side has widened the road, easing traffic for vehicles travelling from Bhanwarkua to Vijay Nagar. However, the opposite side still has railings, narrowing the road and increasing traffic pressure for vehicles travelling from Vijay Nagar to Bhanwarkua. Interim measures and safety concerns The petitioner suggested installing temporary cement blocks as dividers similar to those between GPO Chowraha and Shivaji Nagar statue. The Municipal Commissioner responded that costs would be prohibitive, and current available resources have been deployed. Officials warned that using temporary dividers like ropes or plastic barriers could increase accident risk, as people may attempt to cross improperly. The petitioner countered that traffic violators should not dictate inconvenience for the entire city, stressing the need for dividers to ensure public safety. BRTS railing removal progress and safety issues The committee report presented to the court noted that while railings were removed on one side, the other side remains, causing road narrowing. Additionally, improper patchwork could pose risks for two-wheeler riders, and debris such as gravel must be cleared to prevent accidents. Railings left near BRTS bus stops must include indicators or signs to ensure safety. The court suggested using the removed railing as a temporary divider. The Municipal Corporation clarified that according to their contractor agreement, payments are released progressively as work proceeds. If removed railings are reused as dividers, it could affect payment disbursement. Court orders progress report The High Court directed officials to submit a progress report by January 12, ensuring both BRTS railing removal and SIR work continue concurrently.