Chennai:
The Mass Rapid Transport System in
Chennai, which is under-utilised, poorly designed and lacks maintenance, is
expected to get a new lease of life by Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority.
Sources say CUMTA may focus on
enhancing the visibility and image of the MRTS besides enhancing the potential
of the vacant built-space in rapid transit system (RTS) Stations.
Sources say plans are also on to
exploit the RTS for improving the rider ship and improving the revenue streams.
Interestingly, a study, which was
initiated by Goethe Instut in collaboration with Anna University as part of
year of Germany celebrations, found many RTS stations lack basic infrastructure
required for commuters and is underutilised.
German Prof Gunter Nest and
architect Tyco Cote of Habitat Forum Berlin had stated that inter-city
railway stations in Chennai do not enjoy the status of traffic hubs or meeting points
that could add to the character of urban life. At present they are mostly just
huge structures.
Interestingly, sources said CUMTA is
also exploring the merits of introducing common ticket available to travel both
in rail and bus and most probably National Common Mobility Card which was
introduced by the union government may be deployed.
Sources said plans are also on to
corporatise the mass rapid transport network besides corporatization of the
suburban rail network.
Plans are also on to operate bus
services to match with the timings of the suburban and RTS operations,
especially at major rail terminals.
Some proposals include:
-- Examining the feasibility of
inter-connecting the
Chintadripet and Chepauk RTS
Stations by a skywalk
---Construction of skywalk from the
Marina Beach to the corresponding RTS Station
--- Making the approach road to the
Thiruvallikeni RTS neat and tidy with street lighting after removing the
encroachments
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