
E-buses hit the road packed with features that keep in mind safety and passenger comfort
With this, the MTC has advanced its desire to modernise its fleet, its concern for being environmentally conscious, and keep passenger comfort and safety at the heart of its operations. This is its first fleet of zero-pollution buses in the city, even as it is in the process of expanding the e-bus fleet. These are being operated by Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, under a gross cost contract model.
The MTC is set to create new benchmarks in passenger amenities, offering several safety and security features in the e-buses. Giving a tour of the facilities for e-bus operation and maintenance at the newly built Vyasarpadi Depot, a senior MTC official said the 12 metre long low-floor e-buses had ramps, along with separate seats for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Each of the 39 seats comes with its own seat belt and have a dedicated charging port for mobile devices underneath. The MTC has made it mandatory for e-buses to have four closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the factory stage, along with 13 emergency switches. The e-buses with digital display boards and announcement systems will provide details such as the next destination and the route being taken, thanks to being linked to the global positioning system (GPS) machine installed in them.
The MTC official said the Vyasarpadi Depot, which was meant for non-air conditioned e-buses, had a total of 32 charging units. Each vehicle can be fully charged within two hours, and for each full charge, they can be operated for up to 200 km.
At present, the MTC has announced 11 bus routes for the 120 e-buses. Of these, circular routes are being operated from KKD Nagar (route nos. 2B, C33, C64). The remaining routes are Broadway to Kilambakkam (18A), Vallalar Nagar to Poonamallee (37), Red Hills (57), and Periyapalayam (57X); MKB Nagar to Koyambedu (46G) and Kilambakkam (170TX), Perambur to Manali (164E), and Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar to Guindy Industrial Estate (170C).
While welcoming the move to include accessibility features in the e-buses, persons with disabilities have raised some concerns. Vaishnavi Jayakumar, an office-bearer of the Disability Rights Alliance (DRA), said the wheelchair space in low-floor diesel buses was better as it accommodated more types of wheeled mobility devices, and has a better grab bar. The doors not moving when someone is using the rails to board the vehicle is a definite improvement, making it easier for senior citizens.
T. Sheikh Mohideen of Thoraipakkam said air-conditioned e-buses should be introduced on the Rajiv Gandhi Salai route as well.
The MTC official said work to set up a bus depot exclusively for e-buses was under way in Perumbakkam, and after the facility was completed, in about a month's time, e-buses would be run on the information technology corridor too.
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The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
E-buses hit the road packed with features that keep in mind safety and passenger comfort
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) had recently upgraded its fleet by inducting 600 low-floor diesel buses to make travelling easier for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Now, all eyes are on the 120 low-floor electric buses (e-buses), which were inducted into the fleet last month. With this, the MTC has advanced its desire to modernise its fleet, its concern for being environmentally conscious, and keep passenger comfort and safety at the heart of its operations. This is its first fleet of zero-pollution buses in the city, even as it is in the process of expanding the e-bus fleet. These are being operated by Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, under a gross cost contract model. The MTC is set to create new benchmarks in passenger amenities, offering several safety and security features in the e-buses. Giving a tour of the facilities for e-bus operation and maintenance at the newly built Vyasarpadi Depot, a senior MTC official said the 12 metre long low-floor e-buses had ramps, along with separate seats for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Each of the 39 seats comes with its own seat belt and have a dedicated charging port for mobile devices underneath. The MTC has made it mandatory for e-buses to have four closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the factory stage, along with 13 emergency switches. The e-buses with digital display boards and announcement systems will provide details such as the next destination and the route being taken, thanks to being linked to the global positioning system (GPS) machine installed in them. The MTC official said the Vyasarpadi Depot, which was meant for non-air conditioned e-buses, had a total of 32 charging units. Each vehicle can be fully charged within two hours, and for each full charge, they can be operated for up to 200 km. At present, the MTC has announced 11 bus routes for the 120 e-buses. Of these, circular routes are being operated from KKD Nagar (route nos. 2B, C33, C64). The remaining routes are Broadway to Kilambakkam (18A), Vallalar Nagar to Poonamallee (37), Red Hills (57), and Periyapalayam (57X); MKB Nagar to Koyambedu (46G) and Kilambakkam (170TX), Perambur to Manali (164E), and Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar to Guindy Industrial Estate (170C). While welcoming the move to include accessibility features in the e-buses, persons with disabilities have raised some concerns. Vaishnavi Jayakumar, an office-bearer of the Disability Rights Alliance (DRA), said the wheelchair space in low-floor diesel buses was better as it accommodated more types of wheeled mobility devices, and has a better grab bar. The doors not moving when someone is using the rails to board the vehicle is a definite improvement, making it easier for senior citizens. T. Sheikh Mohideen of Thoraipakkam said air-conditioned e-buses should be introduced on the Rajiv Gandhi Salai route as well. The MTC official said work to set up a bus depot exclusively for e-buses was under way in Perumbakkam, and after the facility was completed, in about a month's time, e-buses would be run on the information technology corridor too.


The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
CUMTA to come up with comprehensive mobility plan for city next month
A mammoth comprehensive mobility plan, packed with plans to push public transit in the city — be it Phase III and phase IV Chennai Metro Rail lines, bus priority lanes or Light Rail Transit —is set to be rolled out next month. The extensive document will chalk out sustainable plans on how to enhance mobility, shift people into using public transport, and introduce multi-modal integration and land-use planning for the next two decades. While the first executive committee meeting will be held between the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) and various government departments, the second meeting is slated to be held next week. If the executive committee approves the plan, it will be presented to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for the final approval, sources said. 'The document focuses on the Chennai Metro Rail's phase III and phase IV networks. To feed into the main network, we are also exploring the Light Rail Transit network for one or two corridors. We are also considering bus priority lanes, a concept similar to Bus Rapid Transit. With dedicated bus lanes and the existing fleets, we can establish this system,' a source said. According to CUMTA, the existing MTC bus fleet is around 3,300, but the current requirement is nearly 6,000. By next year, the fleet size will increase to 4,500. It has estimated the fleet for the next 25 years. 'We have been giving a lot of impetus to increasing the share of public transport in the city — be it bus, Metrorail and suburban rail — which faced a significant decline post pandemic. However, the share of two-wheelers has risen from 29.6% in 2018 to 36.6% in 2023 in the overall Chennai Metropolitan Area,' an official of CUMTA said. If there is increased emphasis on public transport such as bus priority lanes, Chennai Metro Rail, and suburban rail, the footpath needs to be accessible and free of encroachments. CUMTA has identified 1,500 km for footpath improvement. Of this, work to improve 200 km will be taken up every year. 'Only 16% of the city roads have footpaths. Out of this, 12% have encroachments. The CUMTA has recommended separate operation and maintenance contracts for their upkeep for better accountability. So, whether it is the Greater Chennai Corporation or the Highways, we recommend that they float separate contracts. Our priority is to develop accessible footpaths on bus route roads,' the official said. Moreover, the CUMTA is looking to decongest East Coast Road and Rajiv Gandhi Salai by enhancing their connectivity, the official added.


Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on Ilyushin Il-78MKI, GPS interference and more (Week 117)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Science and Technology to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Consider the following statements about GPS interference: 1. GPS jamming involves a device emitting strong radio signals on GPS frequencies in order to overpower weaker signals. 2. GPS spoofing involves a device transmitting signals on the same frequencies used by GPS satellites, blocking the GPS receivers from acquiring or maintaining the right satellite signals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — GPS interference includes spoofing and jamming, two types of deliberate cyber-attacks on Global Positioning System (GPS) signals that disrupt or confuse vehicle navigation systems. Spoofing and jamming are often used interchangeably, however they refer to significantly different types of interference. — GPS jamming, also known as GPS intervention, occurs when a device (jammer) emits strong radio signals on GPS frequencies in order to overcome weaker signals. This impairs the operation of GPS systems by preventing receivers from determining location or time. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — GPS spoofing occurs when a device transmits signals on the same frequencies utilised by GPS satellites, overpowering or blocking GPS receivers from acquiring or sustaining the correct satellite signals. Unlike jamming, which completely interrupts transmissions, spoofing tricked the receiver into believing fake data. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Which of the following events generates the gravitational waves? 1. Collision of black holes 2. Merging of neutron stars 3. Core collapse of massive stars Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — Gravitational waves are produced by some of the universe's most catastrophic events, including the collision of black holes, the merging of neutron stars, and the core collapse of massive stars. — These events emit enormous amounts of energy, greater than the light from all the stars in all the galaxies combined, yet in a form that does not travel as light. Instead, it travels as tiny distortions in spacetime itself, moving outward like ripples from a stone tossed into a cosmic pond. — LIGO (Laser Interferometer gravity-Wave Observatory), the experiment that detected gravity waves, was created in the United States following years of scepticism, budget constraints, and near-cancellation. — The concept was simple but ambitious: split a laser beam and send the parts down two 4-kilometer-long tunnels at right angles before reassembling them. If a gravitational wave passed through, it would ever-so-slightly alter the lengths of the arms, changing the interference pattern of the beams. Simple in concept, but a nightmare in practice . Engineers had to isolate the instrument from every tremor, hum, and vibration, from distant earthquakes to passing trucks. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to the Ilyushin Il-78MKI, consider the following statements: 1. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates a fleet of six Ilyushin Il-78MKI tankers procured from France in 2003-04. 2. It was developed and designed in the Soviet Union. 3. Recently, the IAF has completed three rounds of technical evaluation of the Ilyushin Il-78MKI. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently conducting technical evaluations of mid-air refuellers, which it has been looking to acquire as a critical strategic asset since 2007. 'The technical evaluation stage is currently underway,' an official said, adding that the mid-air refuellers used by the three to four enterprises are being considered. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — The IAF currently operates a fleet of six Ilyushin Il-78MKI tankers acquired from Uzbekistan in 2003-04. It was created and designed in the Soviet Union. Hence, statement 1 is not correct and statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: 1. Nuclear fusion is a process in which a heavy atomic nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei. 2. Nuclear fission involves the formation of a new, heavier atomic nucleus from the merger of two lighter and smaller nuclei. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — Nuclear technology is one of the few innovations that have changed the modern world profoundly and controversially. It involves harnessing nuclear reactions of atomic nuclei through the processes of nuclear fission and fusion. — Nuclear fission is a process in which a heavy atomic nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei. It is also associated with the process of radioactive decay as heavier nuclear elements decay into lighter ones. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — Nuclear fusion is considered a process of creation as it involves the formation of a new, heavier atomic nucleus from the merger of two lighter and smaller nuclei. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — Both processes provide a significant quantity of energy. While the practical application of nuclear fusion is still being investigated, nuclear fission has been used for both destructive and constructive purposes since its discovery in 1938 by Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. To read more: Understanding nuclear technology With reference to the Axiom-4 space mission, consider the following statements: 1. This mission is part of a joint ISRO-NASA initiative. 2. The mission will perform the myogenesis study. 3. This project can benefit others on Earth by developing remote technologies for diagnosing and treating mental disorders, particularly for individuals in isolated or challenging environments where access to mental health care is limited. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — Onboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla conducted a series of tests on muscle loss in microgravity, digestion in space, and crew's mental well-being. Shukla, who is part of the Axiom-4 space mission, a joint ISRO-NASA initiative, entered the ISS on June 26 with three other astronauts. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — According to Axiom Space, 'Shux (Shukla's call sign) performed operations in the Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) for the myogenesis study, which could uncover how microgravity contributes to muscle loss.' Hence, statement 2 is correct. — The crew on board reported activities for the Astronaut Mental Health project, which helped to further research into understanding well-being in space. 'This project can benefit others on Earth by developing remote technologies for diagnosing and treating mental disorders, particularly for individuals in isolated or challenging environments where access to mental health care is limited,' according to Axiom Space. Hence, statement 3 is correct. — The crew also took part in an experiment to enhance brain-computer interface technology, which involved wearing a customised headset that tracked blood flow to indirectly measure neuronal activity. This is part of the PhotonGrav project, which intends to decipher brain impulses and enable individuals to operate computer systems solely through their thoughts. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. International Atomic Energy Agency's #RaysOfHope initiative aims to: (a) minimise hazardous effects on the environment due to wars (b) resolve conflicts among nations which possess nuclear weapons (c) increase access to cancer care (d) optimising use of nuclear technologies Explanation According to — 'Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death on the continent, claiming around 2,000 lives every day. Three years ago, to close the global cancer care gap, we launched the IAEA's #RaysOfHope initiative at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.' Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: 1. According to Newton, gravity is the warping of space and time or spacetime , caused by mass and energy. 2. Einstein's General Theory of Relativity explained planetary motion more accurately than Newton's laws and also led to predictions such as time runs slower near massive objects, light can bend around stars, and gravitational waves should radiate outward when spacetime is disturbed. Which of the above given statements is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, published in 1915, redefined our understanding of gravity. Instead of being a force between masses, as Newton described, gravity in GR is the warping of space and time — or spacetime — caused by mass and energy. Massive objects like stars and planets bend the fabric of spacetime around them, and other objects move along those curves. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — This elegant idea not only explained planetary motion more accurately than Newton's laws, but also led to revolutionary predictions: time runs slower near massive objects, light can bend around stars, and ripples, or gravitational waves, should radiate outward when spacetime is disturbed. Hence, statement 2 is correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. What are Macrophages? (a) New virus identified in bats in China (b) Generic medicines for high cholesterol (c) Dietary fibre (d) Immune cells Explanation — In Covid-19 and many other disease caused by virus attacks, immune cells in the lungs can contribute to worsening the attack. In a new study, researchers at Karolinska Institutet describe how different kinds of immune cells develop in the lungs, and which of them may be behind severe lung diseases. — The structure of the lungs exposes them to viruses and bacteria from both the air and the blood. The study looked at what happens to certain immune cells, called macrophages, during a virus attack. Macrophages are immune cells that, among other things, protect the lungs from such attacks. But under certain conditions, lung macrophages can also contribute to severe lung diseases, such as COPD and Covid-19. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 117) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 116) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.