MTC readying DPR on modernising bus depots

As the outlying areas of the city are also growing at very rapid pace, it is important to follow global urban principles like other states and countries, say Transportation experts. Officials and activists have sought help from planners like Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to work on a master plan and conduct public hearings in the city on adequate space and proper services.

Aswathy Dilip, programme manager, Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP, said, “MTC should always focus on Transit Oriented Development (TOD), which promotes a sustainable model of urban development for cities, helping to reduce carbon emissions as well as achieve a range of other benefits intrinsic to sustainable cities, such as a decrease in traffic congestion and local air pollution.” Such measures will pave the way for attracting more passengers to opt for public transports, she added.

Meanwhile, MTC officials claim that they are preparing plan for modernisation of depots and bus stands. “We will send the Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the concerned authority and CMDA, after which such works will start,” said V Krishnamurthy, Managing Director of MTC. As many depots were constructed over three to four decades ago, MTC needed to undertake such works, he added.