The Hindu 26.11.2009

2,700 new buses to be procured

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Nearly 2,700 new buses will be procured in four months for strengthening the public transport system in the State.

According to the government’s plan, 3,000 buses will be purchased.

While 1,600 are being purchased under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), the remaining fall under the government’s routine scheme of purchase of vehicles.

Till now, 302 buses have already been delivered. Of the vehicles being purchased under the JNNURM, 1,000, including 100 Volvo buses, are meant for the Metropolitan Transport Corporation and 300 each for the Coimbatore and Madurai divisions of the State Transport Corporation.

The government’s routine scheme of the bus purchase is funded by a loan of Rs.99 crore from the Tamil Nadu Transport Development Finance Corporation and the government’s contribution to share capital of the transport corporations, a government official says.

The Hindu 25.11.2009

Dindigul bus stand to be modernised at Rs.4.2 cr.

Staff Reporter

DINDIGUL: The Kamarajar Central bus stand will be modernised at an estimated cost of Rs.4.2 crore. Floor of the entire bus stand will be renovated and new parking bays will be created. The existing bays for Tiruchi and Palani buses will be demolished as part of the expansion plan. Top priority will be given for drainage canal works in several wards, said Collector M. Valallar.

Talking to presspersons after inspecting the central bus stand, gas-based crematorium, abattoir and sites for creating parks within town limits here on Tuesday, he said that the existing five entrances of the bus stand would be closed and two new entrances – one for entry and another for exit – would be created. The damaged compound wall on the southern side would be constructed and two drainage canals passing along the compound would be converted in one canal, which would be covered with slabs and small shops established on it to generate revenue for the municipality. Lights would be fitted on the compound wall.

Municipal Commissioner R. Lakshmi stated that the renovation of the floor of the bus stand was included in the proposed development project. But the Collector advised municipal officials to take up at least temporary work to fill the potholes immediately.

The municipality should think about shifting the mofussil bus stand to the outskirts of Dindigul to ease congestion within town limits. Such measure would improve the town, he advised. Similarly, the wholesale vegetable market near Sri Kottai Mariamman Temple should also be shifted to a nearby area. A modern children park with all facilities would be set up in the town, the Collector added.

Municipal Chairman R. Natarajan suggested a 4.2 acre site behind Kudaganar PWD guest house near the railway station for establishing the children’s park.

Mr. Vallalar advised officials to expedite the construction of another park near M.V.M. Nagar.

After inspecting the gas-based crematorium, which was incomplete since 2008, he advised to resume work immediately. Low level areas should be filled with debris to raise the ground level to prevent excess flow from a tank near to it during rainy days.

After inspecting the abattoir at Nagal Nagar, he said that two more abattoirs would be constructed at Oddanchatram and Palani.