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Time of India
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Chennai set to get a 25-year Comprehensive Mobility Plan
Smart urban planning, with efficient mobility being a critical part, is not an option but a necessity. With that cognisance, the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority ( CUMTA ) is devising a 25-year Comprehensive Mobility Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Area (5904 with the key aim of efficient, seamless public transport for citizens, which in the process will also decongest roads and improve road safety, especially for pedestrians. 'Urban roads are not unlimited. It's a limited source. So, our main idea is to promote public transport options and provide seamless connectivity even for the last mile. They carry more people per unit road space and energy consumed,' I Jeyakumar, IRTS, Member Secretary and CEO, CUMTA tells ETAuto. CUMTA is an authority under the Tamil Nadu government, chaired by the Chief Minister. It is a coordinating authority for all transport related departments/ agencies in the Chennai Metropolitan Area spanning 5904 sq km, including the districts of Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Ranipet. The authority has a team consisting of technical experts hired from the private market and officers on deputation from various government departments for effective coordination. The team is led by a Member Secretary who is also the Chief Executive Officer of CUMTA. Mobility revamp As part of the CMP, CUMTA says 50,000 households were surveyed in this region to gain inputs for the masterplan. 'Basically, it's to understand the travel pattern, how people are actually moving, what modes they are using, which are the predominant modes, gaps in the system. We do a diagnostic analysis based on a lot of data and then we come up with the proposals,' says Poonam Sabikhi, Sr. Transport Planner, CUMTA. The survey data showed that 34 per cent of the population in the core city commute by two-wheelers, 7 per cent by cars, and another 7 per cent by cabs and auto-rickshaws. Jeyakumar argues that inadequate number of public transport buses is also leading to people choosing private vehicles, which, in turn, also contributes to traffic congestion and parking issues. Therefore, public transport, footpath and road infrastructure improvements are the topmost proposals of the CMP. Identifying where bus augmentation has to be done, priority lanes or dedicated lanes for buses, locations for terminal depots are some of the key goals. Explaining the larger goal, Sabikhi says 'We are looking at how we can have an integrated transport system. And all these systems like bus, metro or suburban trains, are still working in silos. We need to have an integration among them.' One key step to achieve the integration is a ticketing app which CUMTA is developing. Once ready, citizens can avail transport services across all three modes using a common QR code generated ticket. Double-deckers could also make an entry into Chennai's public transport landscape. The more space efficient mobility option is being proposed for at least a few routes. This would also help address the significant deficit between the demand and supply of buses in Chennai. CUMTA estimates that 6,500 - 7,000 buses are required in the city, whereas the current fleet strength is 3,300 buses (including the ones out of service temporarily). 'We are recommending (double-decker) for certain routes. The number of regular buses have to be increased first,' says Jeyakumar. In another significant move towards improving urban mobility, the Government of Tamil Nadu has approved the parking policy for the Chennai Metropolitan Area prepared by CUMTA . A key reform introduced in the parking policy is planning, management and implementation of parking under one agency. Another initiative under development is Smart Parking Management in Anna Nagar as a pilot project. For the implementation of Smart Parking, CUMTA is developing a common parking app for the fee collection, monitoring and enforcement. The entire system will be centrally monitored by the Parking Management Unit at CUMTA. Pedestrian-friendly spaces Beyond public transport, the CMP is also targeting improvement in pedestrian mobility, by identifying ways to improve the footpath network. 'We have identified the clusters, because that is also a huge network. So again, on a priority basis, it should be taken up first. The first objective is that all the transit stations, like bus terminals, Metro and suburban train stations should have accessibility by footpath,' says Sabikhi. Access to and from footpaths for wheelchair users is also being factored in in the proposals. And, for safer mobility, CUMTA says it is working on standardising processes for accident data. Granular data is critical to analyse trends, which in turn can help in devising ways to address the root causes of fatal accidents. 'Most accidents are written off as human errors. But if you don't know the causes of these fatal accidents from a vehicle or road infrastructure point of view, then how are you going to fix it? So, first we are working with the police to collect good quality road accident data. Based on the accident analysis, we can then understand the vehicle and infrastructure factors and advise the respective agencies to rectify designs or infrastructure through a scientific and data-driven approach,' says Ravishankar Rajaraman, Road Safety Expert at CUMTA. Given the scale of the mobility plan, and the different challenges in its execution, CUMTA plans to line up its targets in terms of 5-year periods. Now, the first phase for the CMP, after being cleared by its CEO, is to get the approvals from the Executive Committee (group of Secretaries and Headed by Chief Secretary), and then the final approval of the CM.


Hans India
05-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Individuals invited to serve as ATVM facilitators
Vijayawada: Vijayawada Division of the South Central Railway continues to enhance passenger convenience and promote digital initiatives with the successful operation of Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) across its network. These user-friendly machines have significantly streamlined unreserved ticketing, enabling faster, contactless, and hassle-free travel for lakhs of daily commuters. The Vijayawada Division has emerged as a frontrunner in ATVM utilisation. Presently, 72 ATVMs are operational across 29 major railway stations, supported by 94 facilitators to assist passengers. As a result of continued awareness campaigns and improved accessibility, 33 percent (78,19,581) of the total (2,41,51,165) unreserved tickets in the Division are now booked through ATVMs, said the SCR Railway, Vijayawada in a press release on Wednesday. The passengers get many benefits with ATVMs. It reduces queues and saves time of passengers and is very convenient also. The machines support multilingual interfaces and offer quick access to general, platform, and renewal tickets. Trained facilitators are available at key stations to assist the elderly, first-time users, and differently-abled passengers. Rambabu Vavilapalli, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Vijayawada Division, SCR appeals to the public to join the mission by becoming facilitators: 'We are inviting applications from enthusiastic individuals to serve as ATVM facilitators at 29 key railway stations in the Division. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the digital transformation of Indian Railways while contributing meaningfully to public service.' Interested applicants can find complete details, including eligibility criteria, terms of engagement, and the application process at the following link: Narendra A Patil, IRTS, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division, SCR congratulated passengers and staff alike on this achievement, stating: 'The rise in ATVM ticketing is a clear sign of passengers embracing technology for a smoother travel experience.


Time of India
20-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Railway Station master in UP cracks IFS exam
LUCKNOW: Amrish Yadav , aged 32, a station master with Indian Railways in Uttar Pradesh , has achieved success in the Indian Forest Service Examination, 2024, securing All India Rank 72. He is among 143 candidates selected by the Union Public Service Commission . After attempting the civil service examination seven times and clearing the mains four times, Amrish has finally succeeded. Currently posted at Marahra railway station in Etah district, he is from the adjacent Kasganj district and is the fourth eldest of six siblings. "Finally, all my hard work has paid. I'm happy with this feat, but I guess my parents, siblings, friends and colleagues are happier than me, as they have been immensely supportive in my journey," said Amrish who is fascinated with the introduction of Cheetah in fauna of India. Amrish comes from a family with a tradition of government service . His grandfather, Suraj Pal Singh Yadav, retired from railways as chief train ticket examiner in 2002, whilst his father Srinivas Yadav retired as Head Constable of PAC. His younger sibling Awadesh Yadav serves as a constable in Jhansi police. "There are several members in my family who had or are serving in government, but none had qualified the civil services. I wanted to join IRTS, but I'm closer to nature, and felt that I could do much better as an IFS officer," said Amrish who wishes to see Tiger in an open jungle someday. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Since January 2023, Amrish has been serving as Station Master at Marahra. "I was also motivated and supported by seniors in the railway, many helped as guidance during my journey for civil service," added Amrish. The IRTS association's official handle on X (formerly Twitter) extended congratulations to Amrish for his achievement.


Hans India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Arja Srikanth appointed as Spl Commissioner, AP Bhavan, New Delhi
Vijayawada: The State government on Thursday appointed Dr Arja Srikanth, a retired IRTS officer of 1986 batch as the Special Commissioner, AP Bhavan, New Delhi, for a period of two years. He earlier worked in AP on deputation and held different positions. Arja Srikanth is the native of Pedakallepalli village of Krishna district and was elected for IRTS. He earlier worked as the Director of Andhra Pradesh cultural department, Managing Director of AP Skill Development Corporation. He worked as AP Nodal officer in the state during Covid first and second waves. The government has announced the duties and responsibilities of Srikanth as the Special Commissioner, AP Bhavan. He has to work in co-ordination with MPs and the Central ministers for following up on the proposals and issues from the AP government. Engage with key stakeholders and investors at the national level, coordinate with the foreign embassies and Ministry of external affairs for approaching the international entities for promotion of the State. He has to ensure smooth fund flow under Government of India schemes and to monitor and coordinate to ensure the timely release and effective utilisation of funds sanctioned under various Government of India schemes for the AP State. The Special Commissioner has to pursue and expedite action on matters arising from the CM's visit to Delhi ensuring resolution and progress. Assist the Resident Commissioner in managing the affairs of Andhra Pradesh Bhavan, ensuring smooth operations and coordination with various Departments and undertake any other tasks and responsibilities as may be assigned by the CM from time to time. Srikanth will draw a fixed Remuneration of Rs 2 lakh pm and will get provision of government/hired vehicle.


Hans India
24-04-2025
- General
- Hans India
Railway Claims Tribunal gets new member
Hyderabad: K Raveen Kumar Reddy assumed charge as member (technical), Railway Claims Tribunal, Secunderabad bench, on Wednesday. According to officials, he belongs to the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) of 1988 batch. The RCT bench is a quasi-judicial institution established in 1989. Prior to the assignment, Reddy was additional member (traffic transportation), Railway Board. During his tenure as AM, he was instrumental in running of several special trains to Prayagraj from different parts of the country during the Maha Kumbh Mela. Earlier, he had worked in various capacities, including Principal Chief Commercial Manager, Chief Commercial Manager (passenger services) and Chief Freight Transportation Manager.