Metro to issue QR code-based tickets
The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is set to issue QR code-based tickets that will enable contactless travel. The QR code is to be printed on paper tickets. The Metro currently uses a token system where the reusable tokens are sanitised after each use.
The QR code-based tickets will also ensure adherence to COVID safety norms as customers no longer have to handle the tokens. The tickets can also be printed at ticket vending machines unlike the tokens which are issued only at counters. Trials are ongoing for the seamless rollout of QR code-based tickets. The system will then be used across 40 stations.
In recent weeks, CMRL has also ramped up construction for the next phase with land acquired from the YMCA for construction of the underground station at Royapettah. The station will be part of the Madhavaram-SIPCOT line.
Source: The Times of India
Chennaiites urged to follow SC orders on bursting of crackers
With Diwali fast approaching, the Chennai Police have urged residents to adhere to the timings prescribed by the Supreme Court to burst crackers in the city. The Police Commissioner released a statement calling for Chennaiites to stick to the two hour time frame to burst crackers. According to the SC orders, crackers can be burst between 6am-7am and 7pm-8pm.
A shift towards green crackers has also had an impact on the sale of crackers in the city. There has been a 30% increase in cost of crackers due to the increased production cost of green crackers which make up 70% of the market. Traders are hopeful of increased sales during the weekend preceding Diwali.
Source: DTNext | The Times of India
Corporation levies fines for debris and garbage dumping
The Greater Chennai Corporation has collected Rs 26.4 lakhs in fine for offences of garbage and debris dumping in the city. The civic body has intensified fine collection over offences of littering in recent weeks along with steps to revive the ban on plastic. The fines have been imposed for both littering and for improper disposal of construction debris.
The civic body has designated 15 spots, one in each zone for the disposal of construction debris. Those found using any other location to dump debris will be fined in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2019.
According to the Rules, littering will attract a fine of Rs 500, while failure to segregate waste will cost Rs 100 for an individual and Rs 1000 from apartment complexes. Construction debris dumping will attract a fine of Rs 2000 for up to one tonne and Rs 5000 for more than one tonne.
Source: The Hindu
Read more: Managing waste in Chennai: The way ahead
CMDA holds authority meeting after a gap of 8 months
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), the city planning body, held its first authority meeting in eight months. This is the first meeting after the formation of the new state government under DMK. The details around agenda and attendees remains under wraps with questions on whether the planning body’s meeting included the presence of members of the state legislature and traders.
Recently the CMDA announced an online system to connect with officials and for the purpose of grievance redressal. Residents can send an email to onlinequeries.cmda@gmail.com or Whatsapp numbers 9150064456 and 9150064457 with their questions and concerns. This will help residents avoid long waits and physical queues at the offices of the CMDA.
Source: The New Indian Express
Ten routes reintroduced by MTC
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has reintroduced ten bus routes in the city that had been discontinued by the previous state government under AIADMK. The resumption of the routes comes after repeated demands from the public. Some of the routes are Thiruvanmiyur-Mugalivakkam, Broadway-Kundrathur and Pallavaram-Kovalam.
Read more: Chennai’s Small Bus service: Lost smiles over the last mile
Two small bus routes have also been resumed from Pallavaram. The transport body has seen resumption of services on a large scale after the impact of COVID-19 in recent months. The MTC now runs around 3300 buses across the city.
Source: The Indian Express
[Compiled by Aruna Natarajan]