TN Government buses to have CCTV cameras, a/c sleeper coaches

State-run transport corporations will feature CCTV cameras as part of measures to ensure safety of women and children, Transport Minister M R Vijayabhaskar said today.

The CCTV cameras would be installed in a phased manner, he said, adding that the move would help reduce incidents of crime as well.

Making a slew of announcements in the assembly after winding up the debate on demand for grants to his department, he said air conditioned sleeper coaches would be introduced on long distance routes and the number of buses with toilet facilities will be increased in a staggered fashion.

Noting that two buses with toilet amenities have received good response, he said Wi-fi facility will be provided in all air conditioned government buses.

It may be recalled that late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had in 2013 launched two State Express Transport Corporation luxury buses with pantry and toilet amenities on the Srirangam-Chennai route.

It was the first such initiative by a State-owned transport corporation in Tamil Nadu.

The Minister said that battery operated buses would be introduced in Chennai, keeping in view the increasing number of vehicles and the need to tackle pollution.

Cashless transactions will be introduced in phases in government corporations in addition to cost rationalisation exercise, he said.

Vijayabhaskar also announced that the government, in association with Public sector oil firms, would set up retail fuel outlets in 100 sites owned by transport corporations, to monetise its real estate assets.

The ongoing refresher training programmes for drivers of State owned transport corporations will be extended to drivers of private schools and colleges for a fee, he said.