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Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
High operating costs, low ridership hit Metro's last-mile bus services
Chennai: Metropolitan Transport Corporation's (MTC) small bus service, launched in 2021 to connect metro stations with city neighbourhoods, is battling low demand and high operational costs at a time when Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is pushing for expansion. The feeder network runs 22 buses across 11 routes linked to just nine of the city's 44 metro stations across the blue and green lines. Some of the routes include S51 (Koyambedu metro to Nolambur Sakthi Nagar), S84 (Alandur metro to Porur Junction), S70K (Thirumangalam metro to Korattur Water Canal), and S56 (Thiruvottiyur to Manali), with roughly two services on each route. Some services such as the busy S69 route (airport to Kundrathur) make three trips a day, while some make such as the S82 (Alandur to Madipakkam) make just one. Fares start at 7. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai | Gold Rates Today in Chennai | Silver Rates Today in Chennai CMRL has asked MTC to add 20 more routes in view of the metro's Phase 2 expansion, but MTC officials say the service is far from financially viable. "We spend around 16,000 per route per day for labour and establishment costs. But we earn less than half of that. This service is still on at CMRL's request and because it was a govt initiative," said MTC assistant manager (planning and development) P Senthil Kumar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Kate Middleton Dared To Wear This Outfit And It Took Prince William's Breath Away Crowdy Fan Undo He says that the losses might be partly compensated this year through a state govt gap fund. While CMRL tops up earnings if they fall below 5,200, officials say it barely covers running costs. Commuters on the S98 route, which runs from Little Mount metro to the International Tech Park campus (ITPC) in Taramani, complain of delays of over 30 minutes. "I usually take the 5C (Broadway–Perumbakkam) from Taramani, which is well connected to other parts of the city like Thiruvanmiyur. This route is also covered by the S98, but with lesser frequency," said a student from NIFT, Taramani, getting into S98. Another commuter at Little Mount metro said the bus is not reliable. "It comes every half an hour, sometimes after an hour. During those times, I just book a Rapido," he said. Former professor of urban engineering at Anna University K P Subramanian argues the service does not suit metro users' expectations. "Metro riders pay more and expect short waits. Thirty minutes is too long. The one-ticket app linking all transport modes, long in the works, would help more," he said. CMRL was unavailable for comment. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
New Indian Express
12-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Raising awareness on teen pregnancies, child marriages, says health secretary
CHENNAI: Claiming that child marriages are taking place in some parts of the state, health secretary P Senthil Kumar said the government is taking all steps to spread awareness on the health issues related to child marriages and teenage pregnancies. Speaking at an organised by the health department as part of the World Population Day, Senthilkumar said, only explaining scientifically on the issues of early pregnancies and marriages could bring a change in the attitude of the people. People should also be educated on spacing, a gap between two children, for a healthy life. 'There should be a minimum of 3 years of age difference between two children,' he said.
