The first option of our transportation strategy should focus mass transports of multi-decker modes and we should not follow other emerging countries which use single-decker modes.
It is a fact that our population density is at least more than twice than that of other emerging nations in the world. Consequently, multi-deck strategy is probably the only and the best one for this country. As such, we must implement multi-decker concept in all modes of transports, be it on river or surface routes.
The surface route, of course includes road and rail transports. The road space is very limited and we must utilise it in most space-efficient and cost-effective manner.
For road transport, space-efficient manner does not mean double decker buses alone but for other small double-decker modes as well for plying those within a city, in particular. The waiting time for full passenger loading of a double decker minibus of 56 seating capacity in two levels would come down to almost half as compared to 52 seated double-decker buses. In case of single-deck 52 seated buses, the elapsing time is almost equal but single-decker buses occupy almost double road space than 28 seated double-decker minibuses. Thus it becomes a space inefficient mode that might create traffic jam.
For passengers' comfort and safety all double-decker buses should have two doors for two levels with adequate opening spaces; where each door would provide comfortable boarding/ alighting facilities for their respective level.
While another mode of surface transport is railway service; we must also make it most space-efficient and cost-effective mode. Consequently, we must introduce multi-deck train operations both for passengers and freights as soon as possible. Many countries in the world have introduced such modes long ago; even India has recently introduced double-decker passenger trains.
While the river route transport vessels have multi-decker facilities for most of cases, particularly on long routes, to cater to the needs of different classes of people.
The writer is traffic-cum-road safety engineer.
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