Two underground stretches of Metro Rail commence operation
Commuters travelling to Chennai Central from Annanagar can now take the Metro, as can travellers from Saidapet to DMS. Two new stretches of Chennai Metro were inaugurated by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Union Minister Hardeep Singh from Egmore railway station. A commuter who wants to travel from Chennai Central to Chennai airport or AG-DMS to Chennai airport will have to pay ₹70. The minimum fare is Rs.10/- and the maximum fare has now been revised to Rs. 70
Meanwhile, work is said to be in full swing to complete the underground line in North Chennai and link it with the rest of the operational stretch. Chennai Metro has floated tenders to manufacture, install, test and commission air-conditioning and tunnel ventilation systems in the underground stations between Washermanpet and Korukkupet.
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Chennai takes to the road protesting Thoothudkudi shooting
Over 2000 persons participated in road blockades and demonstrations staged by political parties, students organisations and other social groups at 31 locations across the city last Wednesday. 1,400 people, including 66 women took part in the road blockade at Anna Salai, Saidapet, Guindy, Thiruvotriyur and Ambattur.
As many as 317 persons including 33 women were detained and released later in Chennai for blocking roads in the city.
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As deadlines near for the Cooum eco restoration, work picks up pace
As part of the Integrated Cooum River Eco Restoration Plan, the Government had proposed construction of walkways and cycle tracks, and introduction of recreational activities. PWD officials had already evacuated the occupants along the Cooum at Thiruverkadu, Maduravoyal, Koyambedu, Aminjikarai, Egmore & Pudupettai and resettled them at Perumbakkam. The officials have now started evacuvation in 55 slums along the river, on two stretches Paruthipattu to Padi Kuppam (Koyambedu) and Padi Kuppam to Napier Bridge.
“About 60% of encroachments have been removed. The river course is being widened by five to 50 metres,” a PWD official said. The river will become wider by about 50m in some stretches including Aminjikarai. “We are trying to restore the river width of 220m in some stretches,” the official said.
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Metrowater hikes tariff for tanker supply
Effective May 21, Metrowater has hiked the tanker supply prices for domestic and commercial customers, across all categories and tanker sizes, without any prior public notification.
As per the new tariff, a 6,000 kilolitre (KL) tanker would be priced at ₹475 against the previous rate of ₹400 for domestic and partly commercial customers. For commercial and institutional customers, the rate has been revised from ₹510 to ₹700.
A senior official of Metrowater said the fare revision comes after a gap of 10 years and this new tariff was mainly because of increase in oil prices and cost of treating the water.
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Arappor Iyakkam launches campaign to demand Lokayukta in TN
Arappor Iyakkam, a non-governmental organisation that has been taking up several civic issues such as corruption and sewage management, launched a campaign in Chennai to demand the formation of an independent Lokayukta in Tamil Nadu, as directed by the Supreme Court.
“Arappor will approach and meet all political parties, public-minded organisations and the State Law Ministry to seek support for demanding public consultation on the draft Bill and a strong Lokayukta with some non-negotiable features. The body should enjoy independence in terms of its function, funds and recruitment,” said Jayaram Venkatesan, Convenor.
Source: The Hindu