TN transport corporations win 19 awards despite ageing fleet concerns

CHENNAI: Amid criticisms for ageing bus fleet and insufficient frequencies, Tamil Nadu’s state transport corporations have won 19 awards at the national level for their performance in road safety, fuel efficiency, digital transactions and operational efficiency.
The awards were presented at a ceremony in Delhi on March 7 by former governor Kiran Bedi to the managing directors of the respective transport corporations.
Chennai’s Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) secured two awards, including first place for best road safety practices and second place for financial practices. According to official data, number of accidents involving MTC buses dropped from 107 in 2022 to 84 the following year.
State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), which operates long-distance semi-sleeper and sleeper buses, received three awards, with top honours for employee productivity and digital transactions in rural buses. Passengers can pay for tickets using UPI, credit and debit cards via electronic ticketing machines with SETC conductors.
Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) Villupuram, TNSTC Salem, TNSTC Kumbakonam, and TNSTC Madurai won multiple awards for fuel efficiency, tyre performance and vehicle utilization.
Villupuram division was recognized for its excellence in fuel efficiency, while Salem topped in urban fuel efficiency and road safety for suburban and urban buses. Kumbakonam claimed first place for urban vehicle utilization and tyre performance, and Madurai was recognized for rural tyre performance and vehicle utilization.
Transport minister S S Sivashankar extended his appreciation to the drivers, conductors, technical staff and officials whose efforts contributed to the recognition.