Better facilities for passengers - Superb move by TNSTC now!!
Posted on: 09/Nov/2022 9:13:16 AM
To refurbish 1000 buses for the purpose of providing better facilities for the passengers, TNSTC or Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation has invited tenders now. Just a year back, TNSTC made sensational news when it increased the lifespan of the buses operated by the state transport undertakings is known.
It was revealed that 1000 buses (that required major body repairs or completed half of their lifespan) belonging to TNSTC Tirunelveli, Kumbakonam, Salem and Villupuram etc would be refurbished with a new body. The buses would be fitted with entry and exit doors plus fitted with separate seats for the differently able persons opposite to the front entrance. This was mentioned in the tender.
As per some sources it was confirmed that the STUs have not purchased new buses ever since the Coronavirus infection pandemic in 2020 plus also due to lack of funds etc. The transport dept issued revised guidelines for those buses that have completed their lifespan.
Point to be noted is that the state express transport corporation or SETC was allowed to replace its buses at the end of 7 years or after completion of the 12lakh km run whichever came earlier. In the same way, the buses belonging to all other TNSTC would have to be replaced either at the end of 9 years or after the completion of a 12 lakh km run whichever came earlier.
It was explained by an officer that 8 STCs have a fleet strength of 26000 buses and almost 8000 buses are being operated full lifetime. He then spoke about how due to lack of enough funds to replace the entire fleet those buses that had good chassis were identified. The aim was to increase the lifecycle of these buses by constructing a new body.
Major body repair works would have to be carried out to ensure good body condition of the buses after completion of half of its specified time.This was according to other official sources. By this, there would be 100% rattle free operation of the buses for another 5 to 6 years. It added that there are possibilities of carrying out full body renovation if the chassis of the old buses were in good condition.
