Latest news with #S.S.Sivasankar
The Hindu
16-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
New comprehensive mini bus scheme launched in Tamil Nadu
Chief Minister on Monday launched the New Comprehensive Mini-bus Scheme which extends mini bus services to 25,708 kilometres of unserved areas in the State. flagged off mini buses on various routes under the scheme at an event held at the Rajah Serfoji Government College grounds in Thanjavur in the presence of Transport Minister and other Ministers. An official release said under the new scheme, mini buses are allowed to ply for a maximum permitted route length of 25 km. Of this, at least 65% of the distance should be un-served areas. Earlier, minibuses are allowed to ply for a maximum of 20 km, of which 16 km should be in un-served areas. The mini-bus scheme was introduced in the State in 1997 for the benefit of people residing in the areas uncovered by the Public Transport Corporations/Private Mofussil bus operators. A total of 250 permits per district was issued. The scheme has been modified now to serve more unserved areas. Further,the mini buses were allowed to commence/terminate their journey from bus stands. Existing mini bus operators are allowed to migrate to the new mini-bus scheme. Under the scheme, mini buses would be operated on 3,103 routes, including 2,094 new routes and 1,009 migrations, across the State.
India.com
04-06-2025
- Health
- India.com
Govt Buses To Get 360-Degree Cameras, Driver Monitoring Systems In THIS State
Chennai: In a major initiative to enhance passenger safety and improve operational efficiency, the Tamil Nadu government has floated tenders worth Rs 17 crore to install advanced surveillance and driver monitoring systems in buses operated by State Transport Undertakings (STUs). The project is being executed through the Institute of Road Transport (IRT). The move follows an announcement made by Transport and Electricity Minister S.S. Sivasankar during the debate on the Transport Department's demand for grants in the Assembly. According to tender notifications issued by the IRT, the government plans to equip 4,000 buses with 360-degree surveillance camera systems at an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore. In addition, a pilot project worth Rs 2 crore will introduce Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) in 500 buses. Each bus under the camera project will be fitted with four high-definition wide-angle cameras, providing a full panoramic view that helps eliminate blind spots. Priced at Rs 37,500 per unit, these cameras will come with features such as wide dynamic range (WDR), auto white balance, digital noise reduction, and infrared capability for low-light conditions. The systems will also support encrypted data transmission and comply with established data protection norms. Minister Sivasankar had earlier informed the Assembly that the 360-degree surveillance systems will aid in detecting pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles that are often missed by conventional mirrors, especially in congested urban areas. The real-time footage will also serve as valuable legal evidence in the event of road accidents. The Driver Monitoring System (DMS) units, each costing Rs 40,000, will employ artificial intelligence and infrared sensors to monitor drivers for signs of fatigue, distraction, or drowsiness. These systems will track eye movements, head position, and posture, and provide real-time alerts to allow for immediate corrective action. Additionally, each DMS unit will record behavioural data to support post-trip analysis and help plan training interventions for drivers. The current rollout on 500 buses is a pilot phase, with the potential for a wider implementation depending on its effectiveness and feedback from transport authorities. This initiative marks a significant technological upgrade for Tamil Nadu's public transport system and is expected to improve both passenger safety and driver accountability across the fleet.
Hans India
04-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
TN to install 360-degree cameras, driver monitoring systems in govt buses
In a major initiative to enhance passenger safety and improve operational efficiency, the Tamil Nadu government has floated tenders worth Rs 17 crore to install advanced surveillance and driver monitoring systems in buses operated by State Transport Undertakings (STUs). The project is being executed through the Institute of Road Transport (IRT). The move follows an announcement made by Transport and Electricity Minister S.S. Sivasankar during the debate on the Transport Department's demand for grants in the Assembly. According to tender notifications issued by the IRT, the government plans to equip 4,000 buses with 360-degree surveillance camera systems at an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore. In addition, a pilot project worth Rs 2 crore will introduce Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) in 500 buses. Each bus under the camera project will be fitted with four high-definition wide-angle cameras, providing a full panoramic view that helps eliminate blind spots. Priced at Rs 37,500 per unit, these cameras will come with features such as wide dynamic range (WDR), auto white balance, digital noise reduction, and infrared capability for low-light conditions. The systems will also support encrypted data transmission and comply with established data protection norms. Minister Sivasankar had earlier informed the Assembly that the 360-degree surveillance systems will aid in detecting pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles that are often missed by conventional mirrors, especially in congested urban areas. The real-time footage will also serve as valuable legal evidence in the event of road accidents. The Driver Monitoring System (DMS) units, each costing Rs 40,000, will employ artificial intelligence and infrared sensors to monitor drivers for signs of fatigue, distraction, or drowsiness. These systems will track eye movements, head position, and posture, and provide real-time alerts to allow for immediate corrective action. Additionally, each DMS unit will record behavioural data to support post-trip analysis and help plan training interventions for drivers. The current rollout on 500 buses is a pilot phase, with the potential for a wider implementation depending on its effectiveness and feedback from transport authorities. This initiative marks a significant technological upgrade for Tamil Nadu's public transport system and is expected to improve both passenger safety and driver accountability across the fleet.
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
All eligible applications seeking monthly cash assistance will be considered, says Minister
Minister for Transport and Electricity S.S. Sivasankar on Wednesday said that all applications submitted by women seeking ₹1,000 cash assistance under the Kalaignar Urimai Thogai Scheme would be considered. Speaking at the inauguration of the third phase of Makkaludan Muthalvar scheme at Thirumanur here, he said the monthly cash assistance scheme had received an overwhelming response from women. Those who were yet to get assistance could submit their applications or petitions at the camps of Makkaludan Muthalvar scheme. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had issued orders to take steps to provide cash assistance to all eligible women and they should utilise the opportunity well. Mr. Sivasankar said the State government was at the forefront in implementing welfare schemes. Many State governments had taken cue from Tamil Nadu in implementing various schemes in their States. Free bus travel for women was among the schemes incorporated by other States. Minister for Labour Welfare and Skill Development C.V. Ganesan, MLA K. Chinnappa, Collector P. Rathinasamy and senior officials participated. Mr. Sivasankar and Mr. Ganesan distributed welfare assistance worth ₹12.96 crore to 2,204 beneficiaries at the camp. A large number of people from Venmankondan, Karuppilakattala, Thirumanur, Annimangalam and Keezhakavattankurichi participated.
The Hindu
29-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Assembly adopts Bill to clip powers of Chancellor in appointment of T.N. Sports University Vice-Chancellor
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Tuesday adopted a Bill that sought to replace the powers of the Governor-Chancellor with that of the government in the appointment and removal of the Vice-Chancellor of the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University. The House adopted the Bill tabled by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin (also holding the youth welfare and sports development portfolio), after the Supreme Court delivered a historic judgment favouring the Tamil Nadu government in its case against the Governor on April 8. 'In the said State University Laws, the Government has been empowered to appoint and remove the Vice-Chancellor of 18 Universities. On the same lines, Government has decided to empower themselves to appoint and remove the Vice-Chancellor of the Tamil Physical Education and Sports University,' the Bill said. It also sought to include Finance Secretary as an ex-officio member of the Syndicate of the Tamil Physical Education and Sports University. The House also adopted a Bill tabled by Minister S.S. Sivasankar that sought to introduce an online auto-generated mechanism to grant permission and licence for installation of lifts and escalators by amending the Tamil Nadu Lifts and Escalators Act, 1997. The House also adopted 17 other Bills in the House on Tuesday. Except for the Tamil Nadu Money Lending Entities (Prevention of Coercive Actions) Bill, 2025, all others were adopted without any change. When the Bill was taken up for consideration in the House, some legislators sought for some changes. Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin sought to remove the 'banks' from Section 2 of the Bill, based on a suggestion received from the Reserve Bank of India. As for the changes sought by legislators, he said they would be considered in the coming days. A report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (Compliance Audit - Civil) for the year ended March 2023, was tabled in the House on Tuesday. Later, the Speaker M. Appavu adjourned the House sine die.
