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Time of India
03-08-2025
- Time of India
In a first for Trichy, TNSTC rolls out 10 ultra-low entry buses
Trichy: For the first time since the rollout of ultra-low entry (ULE) buses in select cities earlier this year, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), Trichy region, has received 10 new ULE buses. The non-air-conditioned, low-floor buses are expected to be deployed on new routes following trial runs to determine viable services. TNSTC has also appealed to Trichy corporation to carry out modification work at the Kalaignar Karunanidhi Bus Terminus (KKBT) in Panjapur to make it conducive to operating low-floor buses. TNSTC sources said that a total of 320 ULE buses were allocated for seven state transport corporation units, with TNSTC Kumbakonam getting 35 buses, of which 25 were allocated for Trichy city and the remaining 10 for Thanjavur city. In the first phase, TNSTC Trichy received 10 buses. The buses were initially allocated only for Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore, but as demand grew to introduce ULEs in Trichy, a few buses have been sanctioned for Trichy, Salem, and Tirunelveli. "TNSTC introducing the ULE buses in tier-II cities is a welcome move. Perhaps tourist hubs with viable roads can also be focused on by TNSTC in the next phases," Santhapriyan Kamaraj of TNSTC Enthusiasts, a public transport advocacy group, said. Officials said that new bus routes will be identified and trial runs will be conducted in Trichy city. Locals have stressed the requirement to connect Trichy airport, Railway Junction, and Panjapur KKBT with the new buses. However, trouble appears to be looming for TNSTC in Panjapur, as the current speed breakers on city bus bays and within the terminus pose operational challenges for the low-floor ULE buses. "TNSTC has verbally informed us about the need to modify the speed breakers in Panjapur terminus. However, removing them could compromise pedestrian safety. A suitable solution will be worked out," said an official from the Trichy corporation. Transport advocates have also urged TNSTC to introduce new routes via national highways, where the absence of speed breakers allows smoother transit for low-floor buses. Maiden Call for Low-Floor Buses in Trichy: Total allocated for TNSTC Kumbakonam: 35 Trichy city: 25 Thanjavur city: 10 Low-floor buses: 1. No steps, easy to load luggage 2. Digital display boards 3. 40 seats (2X2 layout) 4. PwD friendly access 5. Floor height: 400mm Potential destinations: 1. Elcot IT park 2. Trichy airport 3. NIT-Trichy 4. Bharathidasan University 5. Samayapuram temple (Hubs: Panjapur, Central, Chathiram) Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Time of India
Free bus rides linked to rising footboard travel
It's around 8 am, and the all-too-familiar scene of crowded govt buses with students clinging perilously out of them come into view on Trichy city roads. Notwithstanding the advent of buses fitted with automatic doors, students continue to travel on footboards, putting their lives at risk. Commuting is more challenging for students travelling from suburban and rural areas. But why this overcrowding when around 278 of the 430 buses plying in the Trichy region of TNSTC Kumbakonam division operate in the city? "Due to the combination of free services, the number of people travelling in govt buses has increased over the past four years," says an official of the division. Free travel on govt buses for students began in Tamil Nadu in 1996, while for women, it was introduced in 2021 under Magalir Vidiyal Payanam. With the increase in passenger numbers, there is a corresponding demand for more buses. Transportation activists say the shortage is compelling students to get accustomed to footboard travel. "Though free bus service is a noble service, it is imperative to increase the fleet to ensure footboard travel is ruled out," says P. Ayyarappan, founder, Road User Welfare Trust. "Some students, mostly boys aged 15 to 17, do not follow our advice. They do it for the sake of thrill though seats are available," says R Selvam, a bus conductor. "Except for buses that are nearing condemnation, we have fitted automatic doors on all the buses," says D Sathish Kumar, general manager of Trichy region of TNSTC Kumbakonam division. However, the fact remains that due to the crowd, the doors remain open on many buses. Officials told TOI that they have posted officers, checking inspectors, and driving inspectors at important peripheral loading points and toll plazas during during peak hours. They monitor footboard travellers, especially school and college students and ensure that bus doors remain closed. Activists sought increased frequency of buses on routes with overcrowding. "TNSTC should survey the routes where students travel in large numbers and operate special buses during peak hours, or increase the number of buses on the route," says Ayyarappan. K Dasarathan, managing director, TNSTC, says they call bus drivers for refreshment training if they commit errors. "If students are at fault, we bring it to the notice of school headmasters and sensitise them during morning prayers," says he. He added that TNSTC staff visit schools periodically to counsel students in the presence of teachers to create awareness.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
IBT, a 3-decade-old dream come true
Trichy : When chief minister M K Stalin inaugurates the Rs246 crore Integrated Bus Terminus (IBT) at Panjapur on Friday, it will be the realisation of a three-decade-old demand of Trichiites. TNSTC can heave a sigh of relief as the new terminus will replace the cramped Central bus stand. The CM would flag off 120 new BS VI standard vehicles , of which 18 belong to Coimbatore and Villupuram TNSTC units. Among these, 38 are city buses, which will replace the old ones operated from Trichy said shifting of bus operations from Central and Chathiram bus stands to Panjapur would take time, and could be taken up gradually. This is expected only after ensuring that all amenities including restaurants are available in the complex. "IBT is the city's dream project, the facility should be maintained properly by eliminating threats of encroachments including pushcarts near the terminus," Dr M A Aleem, member, Trichy district welfare fund committee, said. Operation Sindoor India foils Pakistan's attack on Jammu airport: What we know so far How India used 'Sudarshan Chakra' to take down Pak drones, missiles Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list "Around 92 new mofussil buses will be flagged off by the CM during the launch. Low-floor buses will be allocated to Trichy and Thanjavur cities in our division. Around 34 such swanky buses for city operations can be expected by next month," R Ponmudi, managing director, TNSTC Kumbakonam, told idea of a new bus terminus germinated in the 1990s when the Central bus stand was found incapable of handling the fleets then. Soon after Trichy municipality was elevated as a municipal corporation in 1994, the demand for a spacious bus terminus was placed before the then mayor, Punithavalli Palaniyandi. Over the years, places such as Karur bypass road, Devathanam, Ariyamangalam, and Kottapattu were front runners for the IBT project. However, Panjapur was finalised by the DMK govt in May 2021. "Karur bypass road site was not considered seriously. Other sites such as Devathanam, Ariyamangalam, and Kottapattu were found technically unviable over the years," K Suresh, councillor, said.
