Tamil Nadu state dept's new buses face technical snag

Chennai: Barely a month after the state transport department flagged off 515 new modernised and luxury buses, some of them have started developing technical snags in various parts of the state.

While transport workers complain that the new model buses were not built properly, higher-ups in the department say they will communicate the feedback to the manufacturing company to rectify the issues.

In order to increase the patronage and revenue, the state government earlier this month launched 515 buses including luxury and sleeper class buses equipped with toilets. However, reliable sources said that a seizable number of buses in various transport regions across the state faced technical issues such as breakdowns and brake failure in a quick succession, worrying passengers.

Seeking anonymity, a senior mechanic (Kumbakonam transport region) explained “unlike existing buses, new buses have high level device of revolutions per minute (RPM is unit of rotational speed of around a fixed axis). In such a condition, there is a possibility for high air-pressure and outlets of RPM will hit on the chassis. This will lead to breakdown of buses.” He has been witnessing two to three such cases per week, he added, suggesting that new buses should be built in accordance with the state road infrastructure.

Meanwhile, union members urged the transport department not to waste taxpayers’ money in the name of new sleeper class buses. M. Shanmugam, general secretary of Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), said that even as he earlier welcomed the government move to procure new buses, he was not happy with the maintenance of new buses.

“At least, the transport department should go through a proper tender process. If the buses are not fit, the manufacturing company should return the amount allotted for building buses,” Shanmugam added.

When sought for comment, PWC Davidar, additional chief secretary (transport), told DC, “all new buses are properly operated and there may be slight technical issues, as building of bodies and chassis of buses are manufactured in separate places. However, we have instructed transport region officials concerned to communicate us about the issues for sending feedbacks to the manufacturing company.”

When asked about operation of remaining new buses, the transport secretary replied “all buses will soon hit the road”.