Chennai to get 100 E-Buses
As part of a German bank-funded project, Chennai will get 100 E-Buses in the coming months. The tender has been called for by the Institute of Road Transport (IRT) which is seeking automobile manufacturers who can supply the buses as well as the necessary charging infrastructure to the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC).
The buses will all be low-floor and air-conditioned. They will have a capacity of 36 passengers each. There will also be provision for wheelchair-bound passengers and a ramp for entry and exit. The transport department will expand the fleet of E-buses depending on the response to the launch of the 100 buses. The buses are expected to hit the road in 2023.
Source: The Times of India
Read more: Why don’t we see electric buses on Chennai roads?
Open spaces under bridges in Chennai to be revamped
Open spaces under 15 bridges across the city are set to get revamped with parking facilities and provision for seating. The shortlisted locations include Gandhi Mandapam Road flyover and North Usman Road flyover. The project will be taken up as part of the Singara Chennai 2.0 initiative. The makeovers are set to cost Rs 15 crore.
Flyovers adjoining commercial areas will see parking spaces designed in the open space. Other areas will have provisions for seating created along with improvement of aesthetics. Landscaping, painting and installation of lights will be carried out during the revamp along with the placing of benches and the creation of walkways.
Source: The New Indian Express
Porur lake restoration planned
As part of flood mitigation measures, the Porur lake is set to be restored at a cost of Rs 100 crore. The work will be undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD). Porur lake faces issues with encroachment. The restoration efforts will focus on four different components including the creation of a surplus channel to prevent flooding.
The previous channel has been closed over time, along with the coming up of construction in the patta lands where the water used to flow through. The restoration process will see the creation of box culverts and a covered channel to carry the excess water. The project is expected to be completed in six months, prior to the onset of the northeast monsoon.
Source: The Times of India
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New public toilets to come up soon
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is constructing new public toilets at 366 locations across the city. The work for the toilets is ongoing and has been subject to inspections by the civic authorities and Mayor R Priya in recent days. The work is expected to be completed in six months.
All the toilets have been designed to be accessible for persons with disabilities, with the addition of ramps and other features. The project will also see the repair and restoration of existing toilets along with improved accessibility. A sum of Rs 36 crore has been allocated for this purpose. An additional 860 seats and 620 urinals will be created as part of the project.
Source: The Hindu
[Compiled by Aruna Natarajan]