MTC depots will be modernised: Transport Secy

Radhakrishnan who took charge in February this year, has been inspecting various MTC bus depots to take stock of the present condition and the ways to improve it.

Transport department acknowledges the urgent need for improving the conditions of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) depots and also deeply appreciates the detailed analysis provided and the depot-wise focusing on the deficiencies done by DT NEXT. Already, the transport department is committed to taking up the complete modernisation of the MTC depots by preparing a detailed project report for the 16 out of the 32 depots by calling for an expression of interest on how to make each depots a revenue-generating centre without compromising on the needs of the passengers wherever it is attached to the terminus and needs of the personnel working in it. While the process is in an advanced stage, considering the recent Vadapalani (depot accident) and earlier Tharangambadi directions, focus has been given to take up immediate repairs and basic maintenance works including colour washing, wherever required levelling etc so that immediate needs are not lost on the long-term modernisation programme.

Transport department is also aware that either the toilets are dilapidated or non-functional and there are issues with regard to drinking water too. We have given direction to create urinals where public and staff urinate. We are acknowledging it and rectifying it. When the immediate restoration works are taken, we are asking the officials to keep in mind passenger amenities as well.

We are reviewing the ordinary and deluxe services depending on the demand of the local public. Directions have been given to ensure that the focus must be on increasing the ordinary services and look at higher occupancy rather than having low occupancy deluxe services. Route wise analysis is also being done and the felt need of public will be addressed in the due course. We also given direction that the we need not just focus on the numbers and frequencies and focus on the felt need of the passengers so that occupancy which has slightly gone down and started increasing increases further.

The resting rooms should be constructed in the terminus wherever it is not available. We have discussed in the board meeting and decided that we should release some basic amount for these facilities and rectification apart from colour washing.

In continuation of our efforts to expose the suffering of public due to the lack of basic amenities in government facilities used every day by the residents of Chennai, DT NEXT will be visiting more than 60 suburban railway stations in the city and suburbs starting next week to understand the problems faced by commuters. This will include railway stations in Chennai Central – Tiruvallur, Chennai Beach – Tambaram and Chennai Beach – Gummudipoondi sections.