Bhutan Green Transport Project

dropped

In the long run the project will increase livability of Thimphu city from the transportation perspective. This will be achieved by developing a Priority Bus Service along one of the key transportation corridors in Thimphu which connects the various neighborhoods of the city and by decongesting the city center (through the pedestrianization of a main city boulevard).The project is expected to have three components:Component 1--Project Preparatory Activities: These are financed through TFs (Provisional Cost US$ 1.5 million);Component 2—Priority bus service infrastructure, fleet, and systems: This component will finance the development of the 16 km priority bus service corridor along Thimphu’s north-south axis (Babesa to Dechencholing). The characteristics of the service (grade separated, priority lane, signal prioritization etc.) will be determined during project preparation. Provisionally, the interventions are expected to include road infrastructure (including cycling and pedestrian pathways), vehicles, and an Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). For the vehicle fleet, different bus technologies will be assessed to select an environmentally friendly technology suitable for the context of Thimphu. The ITS is expected to include, Automatic Vehicle Location System, Passenger Information System, and Automated Fare Collection. (Provisional Cost US$ 26.8 million);Component 3—Pedestrianization of Norzin Lam: This component will finance the pedestrianization of Thimphu’s main 1.3 km boulevard known as Norzin Lam. This will allow priority for pedestrian access along Thimphu’s main business district and is expected to decongest the city center. Norzin Lam is envisaged as exclusively for pedestrian and non-motorized traffic during peak hours with vehicle traffic to support businesses allowed only during defined morning or late evening hours (with exceptions made for emergency vehicles, disability access, public service vehicles, and possibly buses). There are two parking garages close to Norzin Lam, as assessment of whether these would suffice as an alternative parking option for Norzin Lam will be evaluated during project preparation and suitable additional alternative parking options identified as needed. (Provisional Cost US$ 2.3 million); andComponent 4—Capacity Development: This component will finance goods purchase, consultancies, and trainings for institutional strengthening for the operation of the Priority Bus Service. The technical assistance provided through this component may include administrative and financial management aspects of the Priority Bus Service, study of alternative enforcement measures, training to operators and drivers, and better user information systems. This component will also finance a communication campaign to promote the Priority Bus Service and modern public transport in Thimphu. (Provisional Cost US$ 0.9 million).