The Hindu : Focus on Railways-MTC coordination

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 10, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu-Chennai

Focus on Railways-MTC coordination

By S. Vydhianathan

CHENNAI July 9 . With the second phase of the MRTS between Tirumailai and Velachery likely to become operational in January next, the question of coordination between the Railways and Metropolitan Transport authorities for an integrated transport system for the city has come into sharp focus.

Though it is nearly a decade since the concept of a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority was mooted, no progress has been made in setting it up. This has led to a sharp rise in traffic, pollution and road deaths.

The question assumes greater significance today, as the State Government has invested heavily in the MRTS, and already owns the bus service. Integration of the two systems is therefore in its own interest, transportation researchers say. The city is also better placed to pursue this issue with the Centre and the Railway Board now, as it has a Minister, A.K. Moorthy, from the State.

But those running the two transport networks are yet to work out modalities for providing inter-modal transfer facilities.

Perhaps a major reason for the lack of commuter patronage for MRTS services is the absence of inter-modal transfer facilities in the existing MRTS stations between Beach and Tirumailai, despite claims by the MTC that it has been providing linkage with the train service.

Not all commuters stay within walking distance of MRTS stations and have to depend on feeder transport. The transfer from one mode to other has to be smooth, comfortable and least time consuming. So far, the MRTS has not provided the infrastructure for integration meeting even basic standards. There is no parking facility for two-wheelers and cars.

This apart, the MTC has tacitly rejected the idea of integrating with the MRTS to provide viable train connections. Though the railway administration has provided a pucca bus stand at Chindatripet and bus bays at Chepauk, they are seldom used by MTC buses. On the contrary, the two major transport systems compete with each other instead of playing a complementary role.

Metro transport corporation authorities fear that MRTS services would cut into their revenue if they provide inter-modal transfer facilities. This fear is unfounded, according to traffic management experts. In western countries, bus services are reoriented as feeder services for rail traffic. This, they say, enabled buses to operate in unserved areas, ensuring that their resource base remains intact.

The integration also speeds up travel, as major distances are covered by rail faster and only feeder distances are covered by buses, autorickshaws or private vehicles. Lower accident rate and pollution are other benefits.

The CMDA, nodal agency for the second phase, is now faced with the task of recommending a coordinated transport system. Unlike in the first phase, in the second phase, facilities are being provided for bus stands, two-wheeler parking and link roads. Transport corporation authorities should provide connecting bus services to nearby areas at the station itself.

Providing feeder facility in the form of buses, taxis and autorickshaws is inescapable, considering that the trains between Beach and Velachery have a crushload capacity of a few thousand commuters each, who would be disgorged at either point at peak hours.

The CMDA has to launch a plan of action, convening a meeting of officials and finalise timings of MRTS and bus services in all stations. If possible it could also work out common ticketing system to avoid queuing up at MRTS stations. It would save commuters time during peak hours.

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Focus on Railways-MTC coordination