Chennai: In an initiative to provide better facilities for bus commuters, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) is gearing up to construct modernised bus depots in the city.
MTC plans to take up such works in a phased manner and five main depots will soon be identified to undertake works in the first phase, officials said. According to MTC officials, the city and suburbs has a total number of 32 depots and almost half of the depots lack basic amenities such as drinking water and toilets.
During monsoon season, commuters have a tough time as many depots get waterlogged. "I am a regular commuter of MTC bus and as far as I know, no bus depot has drinking water supply. At a time when many passengers prefer MTC buses, the officials concerned should sense the fact and at least renovate the depots by providing basic facilities," said A Manimaran, a private firm employee.
If MTC constructs modernised depots and suggested that in a big city like Chennai, public transport should be convenient for commuters. Even MTC staff working in depots complained about poor facilities in the depot. “If I want to drink water, I have to spend money and buy water. Further, since there are no toilets, MTC staff and commuters are forced to relive in open places,” said a time-keeper in a depot. Although they brought this issue to the attention of higher ups, there was no response, he added.
When contacted by DC, a senior MTC official confirmed the renovation works.
“We are in the process of inspecting all the depots and we will send the proposal to the government for taking up construction works in the five depots in the first phase,” the official said. When asked about cost of works, the official replied “we will come to know everything after preparation of a blueprint.”
