Tamil Nadu - Chennai

MTC to take the road ahead for more revenue

— Photo: R.Ragu

Eco-friendly: Transport Minister K.N. Nehru inaugurating a diesel pump calibration machine at the MTC workshop on Pattulos Road on Wednesday.

CHENNAI: The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has several plans to increase its non-tariff revenue, including letting out on rent the first floor space at bus terminii and depots. It also proposes to rent out space for advertising on the rear side of 1,000 new buses.

Announcing this here on Wednesday, Transport Minister K.N. Nehru said that despite competition from suburban railways, autorickshaws and share-autos, the MTC in the last two years has been able to show an increase in its revenue. “At present, we serve about 44 lakh commuters every day and the ticket collection is Rs.1.58 lakh,” he said.

The Minister was speaking at a function to inaugurate a diesel pump calibration machine installed by Bosch at MTC’s workshop on Pattulos Road, off Anna Salai. According to a representative of Bosch, MTC is the first State Transport Corporation in the country to take this step.

Mr. Nehru also distributed settlement arrears to the staff, released a BS III Engine manual in Tamil and gave prizes for fuel efficiency to drivers.

The Minister said that Rs. 15 crore had been allotted for cleaning the buses and steps were being taken to add new routes and provide extension services.

Regarding welfare measures for the staff, he said orders to appoint 335 persons on compassionate grounds would be passed within a couple of weeks, the committee set up to modify the pension scheme had already met and promotions were being given. Transport Secretary Devendranath Sarangi and MTC Managing Director M. Ramasubramanian spoke.

Earlier, two groups of men belonging to the trade union affiliated to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam clashed at the function in the presence of the Minister.

Trouble began when a group of men, who tried to enter the function venue, were prevented by another group, which also shut the gates. When the Minister entered the venue, the group standing outside gained entry. Once inside, the members of the two groups resorted to fisticuffs. A few of them also used steel rods and belts to hit others. Mr. Nehru, who was on the dais, had to intervene and separate the groups.

A rivalry during union elections held sometime ago was said to be the cause for the clash.

A driver was injured and several people were beaten up in the incident. After the groups had settled down, the Minister expressed serious concern over the behaviour of the staff at a public function.

The police, however, said they have not received any complaint.

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