Chennai: Chennai, already described a two-wheeler capital with 42 lakh bikes on roads now, might be choked further when Amma two-wheelers start zooming in the city.
As the recent spike in government bus fares already led to a boom in the two-wheeler market, the subsidy scheme launched recently in the state where the government gives 50 per cent of vehicle cost or 25 per cent, is all set to further fuel the number of two-wheelers in the city.
But, does the scheme really empower women? At a time when every other city is doing everything possible to push public transport, can Chennai's infrastructure support the sudden boom in private vehicles? Is it priority spending of the government? How is this going to affect the mercury levels and pollution?
Economic feasibility: Tamil Nadu government's priorities never match the priorities of economy as they are often driven by political motives. There are numerous schemes launched by the government that cannot be justified under any economic circumstances and this is one such scheme, said former revenue secretary, M.R. Sivaraman.
Stating reasons why it cannot be priority spending, he said, “The government is providing subsidy to purchase scooter for every woman. But at the end of the day, in most cases it is not going to be the beneficiary, but her husband who is going to use the two-wheeler. How is this empowering women?”
Numerous retired IAS officials and economists that DC contacted also suspect that just like how Amma laptops were resold within 15 days, 50 per cent of the two-wheelers would be liquefied in the next six months. Also, now even people who do not need the machines are applying, but will they be able to afford the soaring fuel cost? Certainly not.
“Those having steady employment can always take a loan from bank and buy scooters, if that is their priority. This is going to cost numerous crores to the government. It is going to be the party supporters who are going to get the vehicles. Thereafter, when the applications become too many and certainly the government will not be able to finance it, and then they would give it up,” said Sivaraman.
Experts feel priority spending of the government for women must be in health sector as a huge chunk of women have been identified as anemic. Tablets or two- wheelers?
Infrastructure:
“This policy of giving two-wheelers at a subsidised cost is against National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP), which advocates promotion of public transport and restriction of private transport. Two-wheelers would not only create more congestion, but would also spike up accidents and pollution,” said K.P. Subramanian, retired professor of urban engineering, Anna University.
He further added that it is not in the interest of traffic management (though there are political reasons for this point of view). Personal vehicles occupy disproportionate space as compared to buses, the reason why other places are promoting public transport.
Actually, congestion tax must be levied against personal modes of transport, according to NUTP. For carrying one passenger (in most cases), a two-wheeler occupies 3 square metres space and comparatively for carrying 100 passengers, buses occupy lesser space.
A senior official associated with the smart city mission also pointed that the spending on private transport could be avoided and that amount could have been invested in the betterment the public transport - the reason why most of them avoid it.
Also, the government has been delaying Maduravoyal elevated corridor project and numerous other projects stating shortage of funds. But Rs 25,000 is spent on each private vehicle that is eventually going to get stuck on roads with poor infrastructure.
Reasons why this is not feasible
Does not empower women, as in most cases, the male in the house would
use it.
If a woman cannot afford the vehicle, can she afford fuel?
Numerous other issues that need priority spending other than two-wheelers
Might be resold. Expecting 50 per cent resale in next six months
City’s infrastructure is hanging loose, environmental factors
