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12. Roads and Transport Services
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12.1. Roads and Bridges
Roads and bridges are not only the means oftransport but also the infrastructure that hastens theeconomic progress
-State Planning Commission
12.1.1. Introduction
Tamil Nadu is a large state with a high level of urbanization. Transportlinkages play an important role in the development of the state. Rail andRoad are the dominant modes of transport and are well co-ordinated. Therailways provide wagon services for bulk movement of commodities andpassenger traffic while road transport also provides long distance services forcommodities and passenger movement with safety and economy in the shortestduration.
The road transport network in the State contributes substantially to thedevelopment of a strong industrial base as well as for the development of thewhole economy.
Present Status
Tamil Nadu has a more extensive road network than most of the IndianStates. The total length of roads in the State is 1,88,700 Km. of which 61,446Km. is maintained by the Highways Department. The break up details of the
road network is given in the table below:
Table 12.1. 1
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The faster economic growth in the state over the last seventeen years has
created new demands for transport infrastructure in general and roads in
particular. The Government of India has taken major steps to strengthen the
National Highway network in the country and the major ongoing projects in
the State of Tamil Nadu are National Highways Development Project (NHDP)
(Phase - I) i.e., Golden Quadrilateral, NHDP (Phase II) i.e., North South Corridor,
Port Connectivity Scheme (NH 7A), Four laning of NH 45 and 45 B and National
Highways Development Project (NHDP) (Phase III).
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase IV which aims
at laying 820 Km. of rural roads in the state. These two programmes of the
GOI (NHDP and PMGSY) have brought benefits to the road sector by improving
its performance level. Further, the GOI has formulated policies, which facilitate
the private sector to have greater participation in road development activities.
The Build- Operate - Transfer (BOT) model in road sector has been adopted in
a number of projects in the State.
The Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme (CRIDP)
has been launched in Tamil Nadu during the Tenth Five Year Plan to augment
the road infrastructure improvement programme with State Funds.
12.1.2. Tenth Five Year Plan Review (2002-2007)
During Tenth Plan, as in case of the previous plan period, correction of
the imbalance created due to unprecedented growth in vehicular traffic and
the need for provision of improved infrastructure facilities were given
importance.
National Highways
The total length of National Highways in Tamil Nadu is 4483 k.m., of
which 3239 Km. length of roads had been handed over to National Highways
Authority of India (NHAI) for widening, strengthening and improving. The
remaining stretches of National Highways are improved, maintained and
renewed by the State Government using the funds allotted by Government of
India. The details of the programme are given in the table:
541
Table 12.1. 2
The following State Highways roads were declared as National Highways
during the year 2006-07 by Government of India and handed over to NHAI.
� N H 226 (126Km.): The road starting from Thanjavur connecting
Gandharvakottai, Pudukottai, Thirumayam, Kilasevalpatti, Thirupattur,
Madhagupatti, Sivagangai and terminating at Manamadurai
� N H 227 (144 Km.): The road starting from Thiruchirapalli connecting
Lalgudi, Kallakudi, Kizhapalur, Udaiarpalayam, Jayamkondam,
Gangaikondacholapuram, Kattumannarkoil, Kumaratchi and terminating at
Chidambaram
Economic and Inter State Importance Scheme
Under Economic and Inter State Importance Scheme, 2 bridge works and
one roadwork have been taken up for Rs.2.23 crore and the works have been
completed in 2003-04. Further, the construction of a new bridge in place of
existing old arch bridge across Palar river in Vellore city has been approved by
Government of India at a cost of Rs.13.42 crore and works are in tender stage.
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By Passes, Radial Roads and Ring Roads
In order to avoid traffic congestion in cities and towns, it is essential to
have bye-passes, and ring roads. Formation and improvements to Radial Road
around Chennai city was taken up under loan assistance from HUDCO.
Improvement of 2.14 Km. length of roads and 2 minor bridges were completed
in 2002-2003. During 2003-04, 8.76 Km. length of bye-pass around
Kumbakonam town at a cost of Rs.24.09 crore has been taken up and
completed.
Under Madurai Radial Phase-I, improvement works for Radial Roads
leading to Madurai City were taken up at a cost of Rs.112 crore by availing
financial assistance from HUDCO. 12 road works for a length of 121.80 Km.
and one high level bridge have also been completed during the Tenth plan
period.
Chennai Metropolitan Development Plan (CMDP)
Under this Scheme, 254 works costing Rs.756.26 crore have been taken
up for Traffic and Transport improvement in Chennai City during the Tenth
Plan Period.
HUDCO Assisted Bridges
Under the scheme of construction / reconstruction of 61 bridges taken
up with HUDCO assistance at a cost of Rs.60 crore, 49 new bridges have been
completed incurring an expenditure of Rs.32.27 crore.
Construction of Bridges in Delta Districts with NABARD assistance.
44 bridges were taken up for execution in the Delta Districts i.e. Thanjavur,
Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur, out of which 42 works have been completed at
a cost of Rs.15.84 crore with the assistance of National Bank for Agriculture
and Rural Development.
Revamped Central Road Fund
The Government of India, set up a Central Road Fund in the year 2000
with accruals from the Special Cess levied on Petrol and Diesel. Administrative
sanction has been obtained from Government of India for 552 works during
the years from 2001 to 2005 at a cost of Rs.448.31 crore. All the works have
been completed.
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Railway works Programme (ROB & RUB)
Out of the 47 Railway Over Bridges (ROBs)/ Railway Under Bridges (RUBs)
taken up during Tenth Five Year Plan period, 13 works were completed and
34 works are in progress. The Railway Board approved 29 works under the
Railway Works Programme for 2006-07 of which 23 works were taken up
during 2006 - 07 since 6 works were taken up under Tamil Nadu Urban
Development Project –III (TNUDP-III).
Rural Roads
Under the Rural Roads Scheme, villages having a population between
500 to 1000, were provided connectivity with Black topped roads. These roads
provide access to the nearby market centres, schools, Government Offices
and the main roads. 1692.76 Km. length of Panchayat and Panchayat Union
Roads and 36 bridges have been constructed at a cost of Rs.233.05 crore
providing connectivity to 803 villages under this scheme.
Under Bus Route Road Improvements Scheme, 878.66 Km. of roads have
been black topped and 33 bridges have been constructed at a cost of
Rs. 123.24 crore. 4479.22 Km.. length of Major District Roads and Other
District Roads have been improved and 353 bridges were constructed at a
total cost of Rs.544.75 crore using NABARD funding.
Under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) of NABARD,
139 road works and 7 bridge works have been taken up at a cost of Rs.49.74
crore. 125 road works for a length of 363.86 Km. and 3 bridges have been
completed by spending Rs.31.99 crore.
Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme (CRIDP)
State Highways
Though the State Highways are very important for connectivity, certain
stretches of State Highways still remain as single and intermediate lane. As
per the policy of the Government, action was taken to upgrade and widen all
single lane stretches to double lane in a phased manner. During the Tenth
plan 3496.841 Km. length of State Highways were taken up for widening and
improvements at a cost of Rs.809.982 crore.
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Major District Roads
Action has been taken to improve the single lane stretches as two lane or
intermediate lane in a phased manner depending upon the importance of
road and traffic flow. During the plan period, improvements of 3703.50 Km.
length of Major District Roads at a cost of Rs.808.131 crore were taken up.
Other District Roads
During the plan period, improvements of 9496.554 Km. length of Other
District Roads at a cost of Rs. 613.797 crore were taken up.
Externally Aided Projects
Tsunami Relief Works with World Bank Assistance
Work was completed worth Rs.9 crore, for construction of bridge
connecting Keelmanakudi and Melmanakudi Villages, in Kanyakumari District,
which was damaged by the tsunami.
Tsunami Relief Works Asian Development Bank Assistance
To provide an escape route to the people living in the Tsunami prone
areas, 5 High Level Bridges were constructed in the Tsunami affected districts
in Tamil Nadu at a cost of Rs.42.70 crore.
Tamil Nadu Urban Development Project-III (TNUDP - III)
Under TNUDP III, improvements to 20 roads of 148.87 Km. costing Rs.330
crore, construction of 9 ROBs / RUBs at a cost of Rs.154.19 crore, 3 grade
separators at a cost of Rs.200 crore and 3 pedestrian subways at a cost of
Rs.4.60 crore have been taken up with World Bank loan assistance. Of the 20
road works, 19 works have been taken up and pre-construction activities are
being carried out. For other structures, the detailed Project Reports are being
prepared.
Special Projects
Ennore Manali Road Improvement Project (EMRIP)
The Chennai - Ennore Port connectivity project has been taken up by
National Highways Authority of India on a commercial format and a separate
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special purpose vehicle company named Chennai Ennore Port Road Company
Limited has been formed. The State Government equity in this company is
Rs.30 crore by virtue of handing over of the Northern portion of Inner Ring
Road (IRR), Manali Oil Refinery Road (MORR) and Thiruvotriyur - Ponneri -
Panchetty Road (TPP) to the company.
Under this scheme, the following works have been taken up.
� Sea protection works on Ennore Expressway.
� Widening of Ennore Express way to 4 lane along with service roads
on both sides for 6.8 Km..
� Improvement and widening of Thiruvotriyur Ponneri Panchetty Road
� Strengthening of Inner Ring Road and Manali Oil Refinery Road
The sea protection works have been completed. Improvement and widening
of Thiruvotriyur Ponneri Panchetty road is in progress and other components
of the project are in initial stages of implementation and shall be completed
during the Eleventh plan period.
Tamil Nadu Road Infrastructure Development Corporation
The Tamil Nadu Government formed the Tamil Nadu Road Infrastructure
Development Corporation [TNRIDC] on 14.12.2004 to formulate and implement
the road infrastructure development works in the State of Tamil Nadu. This
Corporation is the nodal agency for the implementation of Prime Minister
Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) programme, Bharat Nirman and other Rural
Roads development programmes through the Highways and Rural
Development Departments.
The Bharat Nirman Scheme announced by the Government of India on
25.2.2006 is programmed to improve the rural areas in six ways. Rural
connectivity and upgradation of roads in the rural areas are the vital aspects
of this scheme. Under the Rural Roads Scheme, it has been planned to
upgrade the rural roads to the total length of 1,94,130 Km. throughout India
during the 4 year period i.e. 2005-06 to 2008-09. Approval has been given to
upgrade 11,115 Km. of roads in Tamil Nadu.
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The Government has accorded sanction to take up widening and
strengthening of the Vandalur - Oragadam Road which serve as access to the
SIPCOT Industrial Park through the TNRIDC at a cost of Rs.300 crore. The
Government has also accorded sanction to acquire the lands required for this
project at a cost of Rs.56 crore, as a first step and also for preparation of DPR
at a cost of Rs.80 lakh.
Research and Development
The Highways Research Station is the first of its kind in India established
in the year 1957 at Chennai contributes to all activities in the fields of Research
and Investigation. The challenge posed by the continued growth of road
transport over the years will have to be met by upgrading the technology and
bringing about a series of innovations.
During the Tenth Five Year Plan, the Highways Research Station has
carried out many research schemes like evaluation of multigrade bitumen
developed by Indian Oil Corporation, use of copper slag in bituminous
pavement, use of plastic waste in bituminous pavement and study on the use
of Cement fly ash concrete block for rivetments and aprons.
In addition to the research schemes, the Highways Research Station
designs the mix for the concrete, bituminous pavements for the use in the
field. During the Tenth Five Year Plan period, the Highways Research Station
carried out various mix designs, pile load tests, soil samples and other tests in
the various labs such as the Bitumen Lab, Concrete Lab and Regional Labs
attached to it.
Further, training was given to Highways Engineers, 118 Assistant
Divisional Engineers, 286 Assistant Engineers and 113 Junior Engineers
during the Tenth Five Year Plan period.
The Highways Research Station is also monitoring the quality of works
executed throughout Tamil Nadu and for this purpose 13 quality control sub
divisions are functioning under the control of Highways Research Station.
Financial & Physical Achievements during Tenth Plan Period
Total financial achievement during Tenth Plan Period is given in Table
below.
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Table 12.1.3
During the Tenth Plan period, 27661 Km.. of roads and 1017 bridges
have been completed under the various schemes such as CRIDP, TNRSP,
NABARD Assistance, HUDCO, TNUDP, etc. at a cost of Rs.5382.48 crore.
12.1.3. Eleventh Five Year Plan
Availability of adequate and quality infrastructure is a prerequisite for
rapid industrial development, which in turn leads to creation of gainful
employment for the people. Increasing accessibility and connectivity within
and between rural areas is an important prerequisite for rural development.
Tamil Nadu is served by an extensive road network in terms of its spread and
quality, providing links between urban centers, agricultural market-places
and rural habitations in the countryside.
Objectives
� To improve the road network including widening and improvement
of roads with better riding quality as per Indian Roads Congress
standards.
� To improve connectivity between rural areas and towns/marketing
centers.
� To provide better connectivity to industrial clusters/towns.
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� To rehabilitate distressed bridges and provide bridges in un-bridged
crossings, railway level crossings, widening narrow bridges with
priority to bridges in Delta Districts.
� To introduce road management system and develop data bank for
the core network to focus on total road management.
Strategies
� To reorganise the department and to improve the efficiency in its
working.
� To widen all State Highway stretches in the State to two lane in a
phased manner.
� To identify Major District Roads stretches with heavy traffic and widen
those stretches on priority basis.
� To give priority for connectivity to Adi Dravidar and Tribal habitations
in Other District Roads and Panchayat Union roads.
� To improve the bus plying village roads which connect the villages
having 500 – 1000 population to the standards of Other District Roads
with NABARD assistance and State funds.
� To relieve traffic congestion by providing radial roads, ring roads,
bypasses, ROBs/ RUBs
� To reduce accidents, identify new areas of development and improve
the road infrastructure
� To formulate road safety action plan and improve the identified Black
spots to reduce casualties in the road accidents.
� To develop potential road stretches under Public - Private Partnership.
� To improve drainage in road stretches wherever necessary and facilitate
free flow of traffic.
� To maintain road side trees in Government roads and plant new
saplings.
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New Initiatives
� The Tamilnadu Road Infrastructure Development Corporation will
mobilise resources for the major projects in the State in addition to
being nodal agency for schemes such as Bharat Nirman, PMGSY
etc.,
� To establish a full fledged National Level Training Centre at Highways
Research Station to impart technical training to engineers.
� To attract private investment in road sector by balancing the interests
of the users and the investors.
Redistribution of Schemes among various wings during the Eleventh Five
Year Plan
As part of restructuring the Department, Government have ordered
redistribution of implementation of schemes among various wings of the
Highways department as detailed below.
A) National Highways Wing
B) General Wing
C) National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD)
and Rural Roads Wing
D) Projects Wing
E) Tamilnadu Road Sector Project Wing
F) Highways Research Station
G) Designs and Investigation Wing
A) National Highways Wing
National Highways
It has been proposed to widen 21 Km. single lane National Highways to
double lane at a cost of Rs.17 crore, widen with paved shoulders 316.30 Km.
National Highways at a cost of Rs.93 crore, strengthen 381.81 Km. of National
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Highways at a cost of Rs.188 crore, improve the riding quality of 410.70 Km.
at a cost of Rs.116 crore and widen to 4-lane/ six lane 227.10 Km. of National
Highways at a cost of Rs.479 crore during the Eleventh Plan period. It has also
been proposed to provide 57 bypasses at a cost of Rs.565 crore. It has been
proposed to construct 11 Major bridges, 60 Minor bridges, rehabilitate 38
bridges and construct 10 ROBs at a total cost of Rs.250 crore.
Under TNUDP III, the works of construction of 20 road works, 9 ROBs/
RUBs, 3 Pedestrian Subways and 4 grade separators have been taken up
with World Bank loan assistance at a total cost of Rs.688.79 crore. The works
are in initial stages of implementation and will be completed during the
Eleventh Plan period. For which an outlay of Rs.121.50 crore is proposed.
Other Schemes
� Revamped Central Road Fund works.
� Hill Area Development Programme.
� Western Ghat Development Programme.
� Bharat Nirman Project.
� Economic and Interstate Importance Programme.
� All other Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
B) General Wing
Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme (CRIDP)
Under the Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme,
the State Highways, Major District Roads and Other District Roads are taken
up for widening and strengthening as per IRC standards in a phased manner.
The spill-over schemes of Tenth Five Year Plan have been carried over to the
Eleventh Five Year Plan. The details are as follows:
State Highways
The State Highways are arterial routes of the State, linking district
headquarters and important towns within the State and connecting them
with National Highways or Highways of the neighbouring States. It is proposed
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to strengthen a minimum of 75% of State Highways to Indian Road Congress
(IRC) standards. About 2000 Km. of State Highways will be upgraded as
National Highways based on the connectivity, traffic intensity and importance
of the road. With this as objective, action is taken to widen all the state
highways to two-lane in a phased manner.
Improvements to High Density Corridor
The State highways carry a bulk of the intra state traffic and substantial
interstate traffic particularly the medium and short haul of goods and
passengers. Some of the state highways and major district roads carry more
traffic comparable to national highways. While the National Highways receive
earmarked funds, benefits of schemes like PMGSY, Bharat Nirman etc. arrayed
only to other district roads, Panchayat and Panchayat Union roads because of
the stress on achieving connectivity of villages. The State highways and major
district roads continue to suffer from lack of funds. Due to inadequate funds,
progressive deterioration of the pavement and worsening of riding quality
leading to high vehicle operating costs and more accidents.
The concept of improving the high density corridors has to be necessarily
introduced in the Eleventh Five Year Plan for the treatment of state highways
and major district roads.
In Tamil Nadu, length of State Highways Roads is 9256 Km. and the lane
wise details of state highways are as follows:
Single lane carriageway - 2622 Km.
Intermediate lane carriageway - 1656 Km.
Double lane carriageway - 4646 Km.
Multi lane carriageway - 332 Km.
Total length - 9256 Km.
Against the total 9256 Km., about 625 Km. of state highways have beenidentified as high-density corridors with intensity of traffic more than 15000Passenger Car Units/day. These stretches are to be widened and strengthenedto four / six lane carriageway.
Single Lane State Highways of 2622 Km. have to be widened to two laneduring the Eleventh Five Year Plan. Similarly, against 1656 Km. of intermediate
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lane state highways have to be widened to two lane during the Eleventh FiveYear Plan. For improvements of State Highways in Tamilnadu, the projectsshown in table below are proposed for the Eleventh Five Year Plan. To carryout the above mentioned works under the CRIDP, an outlay of Rs.2087.17
crore is proposed during the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
Table 12.1. 4
Major District Roads
A major requirement in respect of major district roads is to bring to
minimum two lane standards, strengthening of weak pavements and widening
and reconstruction of weak and narrow bridges and culverts. Atleast 40 percent
of the major district roads are to be widened to two lane standards in the
Eleventh Five Year Plan.
The lane wise length of the major district roads are shown below:
Single lane carriageway - 5877 Km.
Intermediate lane carriageway - 1541 Km.
Double lane carriageway - 1831 Km.
Multi lane carriageway - 202 Km.
Total length - 9451 Km.
During the Eleventh Five Year Plan about 1500 Km. of single lane major
district roads have been proposed for widening to two lane carriage way and
about 750 Km. of intermediate Major District Roads have been programmed
to be widened to two lane carriageway. For the improvements of Major District
Roads in Tamil Nadu, the projects shown in table are proposed for the Eleventh
Five Year Plan. An outlay of Rs.1500 crore is proposed during the Eleventh
Five Year plan.
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Table 12.1. 5
Other District Roads
Other District Roads are feeder roads serving rural areas of agriculture
production and providing them with outlets to urban market centres. These
roads play a significant role in opening up backward areas and accelerating
socio economic development. Out of 36510 Km. of other district roads, 34974
Km. are single lane, 993 Km. are intermediate lane, 515 Km. are double lane
and 28 Km. are multi-lane. To strengthen the other district roads network,
the details are given below. An outlay of Rs.741.25 crore is proposed during
the Eleventh Five Year plan. Further, an outlay of Rs.429.85 crore is proposed
under Scheduled Caste Sub Plan to improve the roads to Scheduled Caste
Habitations.
Table 12.1. 6
Chennai Metropolitan Development Plan
It has also been proposed to take up 400 works at a cost of Rs.429 crore
during Eleventh Five Year Plan in the Chennai Metropolitan Development
Plan. Further, an outlay of Rs.250.50 crore is proposed to construct Road
Over Bridges in Chennai Metro Area for traffic management.
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Bypasses, Radial Roads, Ring Roads
It is necessary to provide bypasses for congested urban links. Sanction
has been accorded for land acquisition and formation of bypass around
Thuraiyur. It has also been proposed to take up 15.80 Km. length of bypass
to Pattukottai Town in Thanjavur District. Further, it has been decided to
take up ring roads/ bypasses around Erode, Thuraiyur, Perambalur,
Coimbatore, Tiruvannamalai towns during the Eleventh Five Year Plan. In
addition, about 1000 Km.. length of Radial Roads are proposed to be provided
around Salem, Trichy, Madurai and Tirunelveli. To carry out these new works
an outlay of Rs.150 crore is proposed.
Rehabilitation of Distressed Bridges
An assessment made indicates that there are totally 93,208 culverts,
7226 minor bridges and 1149 major bridges on Government Roads of which
2300 culverts, 800 minor bridges and 103 major bridges are in distressed
condition. Against the above, 390 minor and major bridges are proposed to
be rehabilitated by reconstruction or widening of narrow bridges during the
plan period. An outlay of Rs.65.70 crore is proposed during the Eleventh Five
Year plan.
Public Private Participation
The Road Sector has been progressively under funded in successive Five
Year Plans. It should be noted that construction of bypasses, bridges, high
quality roads also must simultaneously be taken up so as to see a revival in
the sector. In the present condition, this is possible only with private sector
participation in the development of certain important roads. In the first
instance, the construction of bypass at Coimbatore and the construction of
high level bridge at Karanodai near Chennai have been completed with private
sector participation to be taken up under BOT. Later, the improvement and
maintenance of East Coast Road from Chennai to Pondicherry and also
improvement and maintenance of IT Expressway have been taken up under
BOT. As a part of new Road Policy it has been planned to formulate/ set-up
the legal modalities, incentives to private sector, general guidelines for
participation, transparent and quality based administration in consultation
with Government of India.
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C) NABARD and Rural Roads Wing
Rehabilitation of Distressed Bridges in Panchayat & Panchayat Union
Roads
At present, Panchayat & Panchayat Union Roads are being maintained
by the local bodies. On account of financial constraints, the old, narrow and
weak causeways, cut stone culverts, brick arch bridges located in Panchayat
& Panchayat Union Roads are not reconstructed by the local bodies. In the
Eleventh Five Year Plan, it is proposed that the Highways Department will
take up those structures for rehabilitation. An outlay of Rs.121.50 crore is
proposed during the Eleventh Five Year plan to construct 4 bridges in the
Cauvery Delta Areas.
NABARD Loan Assistance Scheme
Rural Roads Scheme
It is targeted that all villages with population 500-1000 would be provided
connectivity by the end of 2007. It is proposed to provide connectivity to 800
villages with a population of 500 -1000 by improving 5000 Km. of rural roads.
An outlay of Rs.675 crore is proposed during the Eleventh Five Year plan.
Major District and Other District Roads
The road projects on Major District Roads and Other District Roads to a
tune of Rs.15 crore which were taken up during Tenth Plan are likely to spill
over to Eleventh Five Year Plan. It is also proposed to reconstruct 17 high level
bridges and improve 4 roads of length 30.30 Km.
The Government have decided to entrust all the NABARD assisted works
to a single agency. Accordingly, the NABARD and Rural Roads wing has been
entrusted with the implementation of these works except works which have
already been completed. An outlay of Rs.31.70 crore is proposed to carry out
improvements to Major District Roads. Further, an outlay of Rs.103.20 crore
is proposed to improve the Other District Roads. It is proposed to provide
bituminous roads to 200 Scheduled Caste habitations for a length of 1800
Km.. at an outlay of Rs.150.30 crore. It is proposed to improve 2200 Km. of
bus-plying Panchayat and Panchayat Union Roads at an outlay of Rs.331.50
crore during the Eleventh Five Year plan. Further, an outlay of Rs.375.25
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crore is proposed to construct / re-construct bridges and improvements of
roads under the NABARD loan assistance.
Improvement and Maintenance of Panchayat and Panchayat Union Roads
Improvement and maintenance of Panchayat and Panchayat Union Roads
will be taken up during the Eleventh Five Year Plan period. Under the NABARD
assistance improvements to rural panchayats and panchayat union roads an
outlay of Rs.90 crore is proposed during the Eleventh Five Year plan.
Tsunami Emergency Assistance Project
Under this scheme, the Government sanctioned construction of 5 High
Level Bridges in the Tsunami affected coastal Districts of Thiruvallur, Cuddalore
and Nagapattinam with loan assistance from Asian Development Bank. These
works will be taken up during the Eleventh Five Year Plan period. Further, a
new road project in Cuddalore District to carry out improvements to the road
from Alapakkam to Annankoil (via) Thiruchopuram, Periakuppam,
Pudukuppam, Chinoor and Parangipettai road for a length of 21.4 Km. along
the East Coast, has been sanctioned by the Government under this scheme.
An outlay of Rs.82 crore is proposed during the Eleventh Five Year plan.
D) Projects Wing
Railways Over/ Under Bridges (ROB/RUB)
The Government of Tamil Nadu has recommended to the Southern Railway
to include 98 new works under the Railway Works programme. These works
are proposed for the Eleventh Plan period. An outlay of Rs.450 crore is
proposed during Eleventh Five Year plan. Further, an outlay of Rs.105.50
crore is proposed to construct Over and Under bridges in lieu of existing level
crossings.
The other schemes under this wing proposed during the Eleventh Five
Year Plan are
� Sugarcane Road Development Programme
� Bridge/grade separator works under Chennai Metropolitan
Development Programme
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E) Highways Research Station
During the Eleventh Five Year Plan, the Highways Research Station has
proposed to carry out the following special activities in addition to the routine
day to day testing .They include re-structuring the Highways Department
including creation of a corporate office and a planning unit, preparation of
Highway Master Plan and Road Safety Plan, implementation of Quality
Management Manual and Corporate Plan, preparation of Congestion and
Parking Management Plan and creation of land acquisition units and protection
of Highway Land.
It is proposed to set up 32 quality Control sub divisions, one each in a
district area, for which quality control equipments are required for all the
laboratories to test the day to day work. During Eleventh Five Year Plan, quality
control sub divisions will be equipped fully with the purchase of required
instruments. It is also proposed to set up a Training center at Highways
Research Station, to give training to all Engineers including those of other
Departments. For improvement of systematic research, training and road safety
a provision of Rs.11 crore is proposed in the Eleventh Five Year Plan.
F) Tamilnadu Road Sector Project Wing
Tamil Nadu Road Sector Project
The Tamil Nadu Road Sector Project is being implemented with World
Bank assistance at a total project cost of Rs.2160 crore, of which the World
Bank loan component works out to Rs.1670 crore. The balance Rs.490 crore
(including ongoing and new works) is provided by the Tamil Nadu Government.
This project is being implemented from 2003–04 and is proposed to be
completed by March 2009.
The Project comprises of the following three major components.
� Strengthening and Upgradation of 742 Km. of core network of Roads
linking 11 Districts.
� Enhanced Periodical maintenance of 2000 Km. of State Highways &
Major district roads and implementation of Road safety works.
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� Institutional Strengthening of Highways Department and
implementation of action plan.
84 minor Bridges and 44 major Bridges are to be constructed. 9 Railway
over bridges (one bridge each in Polur, Vridhachalam, Ariyalur, Sirkali,
Nagapattinam, Tiruthuraipoondi and Muthupet and 2 bridges in
Tiruvannamalai) are to be constructed during the Eleventh Plan period. An
outlay of Rs.1400 crore is proposed.
A “Strategic Options Study” (SOS) was done under the Tamil Nadu Road
Sector Project, by engaging a consultant to evaluate and identify number of
State road corridors for upgradation. The above mentioned studies are being
continued for other road corridors and will be completed by the year 2009.
Black Spot Improvement Works
Totally 300 locations have been identified throughout the State as accident
prone spots. Bids have been invited for improvement of 18 contracts (50
spots) and finalized for 2 contracts (6 spots). The remaining black spot
improvement works will be taken up for implementation during the Plan period.
Manning Unmanned Level Crossings
In Tamil Nadu there are 1178 unmanned level crossings, of which, 121
exist on Government roads. There are many fatal accidents at these level
crossings and hence it is proposed to convert these level crossings as manned
level crossings or at least provide warning signals to reduce mortality.
When the train vehicle units are more than 60,000/day , that level crossing
qualifies to be converted as a manned level crossing. If the crossing does not
satisfy this criteria, Train Accident Warning Unit / Audio Visual Warning Unit
will be provided to avert accidents.
Road Management System
As part of the Institutional Strengthening Programme of the Highways
Department, Government intends to procure necessary Computer Hardware
and Software required for all the wings of Highways Department by establishing
a strong IT unit headed by a Chief Information Officer and supported by IT
officers. It is also planned to develop and implement a Geographical Information
559
System (GIS), which will provide a digital database of Tamil Nadu State road
network.
G) Designs and Investigation Wing
During the Eleventh Five Year Plan the Designs and Investigation Wing
shall carryout investigation for new bridges/roads and prepare designs,
structural drawings and estimates for bridge works costing more than Rs.2
crore.
The detailed list of ongoing and new schemes proposed for the Eleventh
Plan are given below:
Table 12.1. 7
560
561
12.2. Ports, Lighthouses & Shipping
Swift, prancing steeds by sea in ships,And bales of peppers, by carts.Himalayas sends gems and gold,While Kudda hills, sweet sandalwoodAnd akhil; pearls from the south sea come,Red coral from the eastern sea.The Ganges and the Kaviri bringTheir yield; Ceylon provides its food,And Burma, manufactures rareWith other rare and rich imports….
- Pattinappalai (Ancient Sangam Poetry)
(English Rendering by J.V. Chelliah Ed.1962)
12.2.1. Introduction
A country’s sustained
growth of economy depends
on adequate availability of
infrastructure. Ports are
important basic facilities.
They offer the cheapest mode
of transport for bulk cargoes
across continents. Tamil
Nadu has a coastline of about
1,000 Kms. Along this
coastline, there are three
major ports viz., Chennai,
Ennore and Thoothukudi and
15 minor ports. The major
ports are setup under the
Major Port Trust Act 1963 and come under the control of Government of India
whereas the minor ports are covered under the Indian Ports Act 1908 and
come under the control of the State Government.
Since the liberalisation of the economy in the early 90s, areas like
information technology, telecommunications, etc have received a big boost.
However, developments in long gestation infrastructure such as ports, roads,
etc. have not kept pace. Existing ports, both major and minor have to be
Chennai Port
562
provided with infrastructure facilities to help them function efficiently in a
competitive environment. New ports will also have to be developed in tandem
with industrial requirements. Investment for these initiatives will have to be
raised both from public and private sector.
12.2.2. Port Policy
The Government of India announced a Port Policy in October 1996, which
identifies the area for private investment and lays down the procedures for
inviting private participation as well as the criteria for evaluation of bids. The
Government of India policy also prescribes the guidelines for private
participation in ports over a multitude of areas such as leasing of assets,
construction of container terminals, captive power plant, pilot age etc.
In the light of the liberalized policy of Government of India, the Government
of Tamil Nadu formulated a port policy in the year 1996, adopting the principle
of development of port sector through private participation.
The salient features of the minor port policy of Government of Tamil
Nadu are to increase the share of Tamil Nadu state in the export / import
sector in all national and international trade and commerce, to decongest the
major ports and cater to the increasing goods traffic in southern states. The
policy seeks to provide port facilities to promote the export oriented industries
and port-based industries along the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, to promote
port based thermal power plants, to promote tourism through water sports
activity and to provide facilities to encourage ship building, repairing, etc..
The aim of the port policy is that industrial development and port development
should go hand in hand and produce a synergic impact to improve the socio
economic life of coastal areas and its adjoining hinterland.
The port policy of Tamil Nadu has also offered expansion of the existing
minor ports to private sector. The entire process of selection of private parties
will be carried out in a transparent and efficient manner with an initial
concession period of 30 years extendable up to 50 years.
12.2.3. Tamil Nadu Maritime Board
The Tamil Nadu Port Department, which was administering, controlling,
regulating and managing the minor ports in Tamil Nadu, was converted as the
563
Tamil Nadu Maritime Board under the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board Act, 1995
(Tamil Nadu Act 4/96) with effect from 18.03.1997. The Tamil Nadu Maritime
Board is responsible for developing a number of captive ports for the dedicated
use of industries.
The Board recognizes the need to improve industrial activity, which forms
the backbone for port development. It is taking measures to expand and
develop the existing ports, while at the same time identifying new green field
sites. In tune with Government Port policy and the emerging shipping trend,
new initiatives have been taken for setting up joint ventures in containerization,
and captive ports for handling of liquid and chemical cargos. Techno Economic
Feasibility Studies have been initiated and Master Plans drawn up to develop
the minor ports in tune with guidelines, to properly access their full potential.
12.2.4. Minor Ports in Tamil Nadu
Captive Ports in Tamilnadu are Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Pamban,
Rameswaram, Valinokkam, Kanyakumari, Colachel and Koodankulam.
Conventional Ports in Tamilnadu Kattupalli, Ennore Minor port,
Thiruchopuram, PY-03 Oil Field, Thirukkadaiyur, Punnakkayal and Manappad.
The conventional ports are mostly riverine ports where ships anchor in
the midstream and cargo is transported through barges. In the captive ports,
most of the cargo is liquid cargo, which is handled through a buoy mooring
system, and the cargo transfer is through pipelines.
12.2.5. Review of Tenth Plan Performance
The outlay for the Port Sector for the Tenth Plan was Rs.30 crore. However
no central funds were allocated for this sector during the Tenth Plan period.
The Tamil Nadu Maritime Board under the Tsunami Emergency Assistance
Project (TEAP) took up the only Plan scheme at a total cost of Rs.37.90 crore
during 2006-2007. Though the project was started in the Tenth Plan, the
major portion of the work will be carried out and completed in the Eleventh
plan period.
The developments that took place in the minor ports sector were through
private funding, mainly for captive facilities. The respective companies set up
and developed captive ports to meet their own requirements.
564
The table below shows the cargo handled and revenue earned in the two
categories of ports. It is seen that total cargo handled in ports went up to 8.53
lakh metric tonnes in 2004-2005, with improvements being seen in both public
and captive ports. However there was a distinct fall in business due to the
tsunami in December 2004. Subsequently cargo handled has improved beyond
2004-2005 in the captive ports but Government ports continue to lag behind.
A total cargo of 36.59 lakh metric tonnes was handled and revenue of Rs.19.07
crore earned during the Plan period. Nearly 54% of total cargo was handled
in the captive ports.
Table 12.2. 1
12.2.6. Poompuhar Shipping Corporation Limited (PSC)
Poompuhar Shipping Corporation Limited (PSC) was established on
11.04.1974 under the Companies Act, 1956 with the objective of transporting
the entire allotment of Indian coal required for the Thermal Power Stations of
Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) from various Indian Ports. Poompuhar
Shipping Corporation is operating three own specially designed shallow draft
geared bulk carriers viz. M.V Tamil Anna, M.V Tamil Periyar and M.V Tamil
Kamaraj. Coal required by TNEB is being moved from the load Ports at Haldia,
Paradip and Vizhagapattinam and discharged at Ennore and Tuticorin Ports
through these ships. In addition, based on need, ships are being chartered
on long term and short term basis for handling coal.
The details of the quantity of coal moved, turnover and financial
performance of the Corporation for the previous years are given below:
565
Table 12.2.2.
12.2.7. Eleventh Five Year Plan
Tamil Nadu Maritime Board
Improvements to the Cuddalore and Nagapattinam ports to overcome the
damage due to the Tsunami of December 2004 will be carried out under the
Tsunami Emergency Assistance Project, funded by the Asian Development
Bank. The works to be taken up include the rehabilitation of damaged
breakwaters, wharves, compound wall, cargo sheds, dredging, replacement of
dredgers, etc. An outlay of Rs.84.85 crore has been proposed during the
Eleventh Plan for this scheme.
Keeping in line with the Port Policy of Government of Tamil Nadu and
realising the urgent need for the development in Port sector to meet the
industrial requirements, it is proposed to develop the following ports in Tamil
Nadu with Private sector participation. These ports will serve not only the
respective Captive Industry but also provide Port facility for public use and
will ultimately improve the socio-economic status of the local and the adjoining
hinterland.
Colachel Port
The implementation of the Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project is expected
to lead to a large scale socio-economic development along the coast of Tamil
Nadu and increase in coastal trade. Most of the general cargo is transported
through containers, which have brought about a system of door-to-door delivery
of goods with no handling loss. The growth of container trade in the
international market is very huge. The potential of Colachel port arises from
the fact that it is very close to the International Shipping route and the sea
566
here has a depth of 15 mtrs at a distance of 500 mtrs from the shore. M/s.
Sethusamudram Corporation Ltd., has come forward to take up a Detailed
Feasibility Study by appointing suitable consultants for developing this port.
The project cost is expected to be approximately Rs. 2500 crore.
Cheyyur Port
Tamil Nadu is viewed as the most industrial friendly state in India and in
this background, the Central Electricity Authority has come forward to put up
an Ultra Mega Thermal Power Plant of 4000 MW capacity at Cheyyur, which is
about 100 Km.south of Chennai. The basic works with regard to land
identification, clearance and other related activities are in progress. A Thermal
Power Plant of this size would require about 16 million tonnes of coal per
annum that can only be serviced through a port. It is proposed to develop this
port with private sector participation. The project cost is expected to be
approximately Rs.1000 crore.
Cuddalore Port
Cuddalore is identified as a suitable location to develop a green field port
for meeting the needs of the industries in the central and western districts.
In addition the following projects are proposed in Cuddalore within a distance
of 8 Km. from the existing Cuddalore minor port.
� M/s. Cuddalore Power Company has proposed to set up a 1320 MW
Thermal Power Plant at Cuddalore, which would require a jetty for
import of 3.5 million metric tonnes per annum of coal as fuel. The
Cuddalore Port has to be expanded with an investment of
approximately Rs.400 crore.
� M/s. Nagarjuna Oil Corporation Ltd has proposed to set up a Refinery
at Thiruchopuram near Cuddalore, which would import 6.00 million
metric tonnes of Crude oil per annum and export 2.5 million metric
tonnes of products per annum for which investment in port sector is
to be approximately Rs.600 crore.
� M/s. Goodearth Shipbuilding Company Private Ltd has proposed to
set up a captive ship building yard south of Thiruchopuram for which
the likely investment in port sector is expected to be approximately
Rs.1000 crore.
567
Total Investment in port sector at Cuddalore is approximately
Rs.2000 crore.
Kattuppalli Port
There is a proposal to set up a ship and offshore platform-building yard
at Kattupalli, North of Ennore, with private sector participation. This yard will
require a huge investment for developing waterfront port facility. Such a huge
investment, servicing only the ship and offshore platform building activity will
not be economically viable and cost effective. Hence it is proposed to develop
the port facility as a joint venture to handle multiple cargo such as container,
liquid cargo, etc. The project cost is expected to be approximately Rs.1000
crore.
In order to exploit the huge potential arising out of the implementation
of Sethusamudram Ship Canal Project, it is proposed to develop the minor
ports at Nagapattinam and Rameswaram along with the Sethusamudram Ship
Canal Project for which Detailed Project Report is being prepared. The cost of
the project for the development of these two ports put together is expected to
be approximately Rs. 500 crore.
Development of other Minor Ports
Due to the industrial friendly climate, conducive labour force and
availability of uninterrupted power supply and excellent road and rail network,
many proposals are being received by the State for establishing industries
such as Power Plant, Refineries etc., along with a Port. In view of these
demands, it is also proposed to develop an existing minor port with private
sector participation. Although specific site selection has not been made as
yet, an investment of Rs. 100 crore is expected for this purpose.
Poompuhar Shipping Corporation Limited (PSC)
Poompuhar Shipping Corporation purchased three vessels during the
years, 1985 to 1987. The age of the 3 Vessels now in more than 20 years.
Hence, it is proposed to replace the existing 3 vessels. Total cost of 3 vessels is
around Rs. 675 crore. For this purpose, an outlay of Rs.675 core is proposed,
and will be raised by market borrowings.
568
Development of Tourism
The State of Tamil Nadu is very famous for its old Maritime trade, ancient
heritage, architecture and temples. These are very good tourist spots along
the coast of Tamil Nadu like Mahabalipuram, Puducherry, Poompuhar,
Karaikal, Nagapattinam and Rameswaram. It is proposed to have a Sea Cruise
along the coast to develop Tourism and its related activities. This may be
developed through PPP mode along with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department.
Coastal Traffic
With the implementation of Sethusamudhram Ship Channel Project,
coastal trade will no longer need to go round Srilanka. 30 hours of sailing
time and 424 nautical miles of distance will be saved due to this project. The
development of the minor ports along this coast will also provide a further
thrust to the coastal trade improvement.
Minor Port Connectivity
All the ports are located along the coast of Tamil Nadu require an improved
international standard port connectivity linking these sites to the nearby
National Highways and Major Railway junctions for easier cargo evacuation.
Four laning of roads along the coast to interconnect the ports is quite essential.
Action on this sector is being undertaken by the Highways Department of
Government of Tamil Nadu.
Cargo Throughput
The Cargo now handled by Tamil Nadu Maritime Board is about 1.00
MMTPA, which is expected to increase to about 50.00 MMTPA at the end of
the Eleventh Five Year Plan period with the implementation of the above ports
and projects.
Table 12.2. 3
569
12.3. Surface Transport Services
The auto mobile changed our dress, manners, socialcustoms, vacation habits, the shape of our cities,consumer purchasing patterns and common tastes.
- John Keats (The insolent chariots 1958)
12.3.1. Introduction
An efficient transport system is a pre-requisite for sustained economic
development. It is not only the key infrastructural input for the growth process
but also plays a significant role in promoting national integration, which is
particularly important in a large country like India. The transport system also
plays an important role of promoting the development of the backward regions
and integrating them with the mainstream economy by opening them to trade
and investment.
Status of Transport Sector in the State
Tamil Nadu has made significant efforts to develop a transport network
catering to the needs of the large number of travelling public in the State. It
ranks second in terms of transport network in the country. The State utilizes
all the three modes of major transporting systems viz., roadways, railways and
airways in an effective manner. Rail and road are the dominant modes of
transport in the State. It is also well connected globally by means of
international seaports and airports. Road play a pivotal role in supporting
economic and social development of the State. The rapid industrialisation and
urbanisation of the State has thrown up new problems and challenges in
development, in which road transport occupies a position of crucial importance.
Passenger mobility in India heavily relies on rail and road networks. The bus
transport system in the State enjoys the maximum public patronage and
contact, much more than any other Government system.
Population Growth and Vehicle Growth
The population of Tamil Nadu has increased from 30.12 million in 1951
to 62.11 million in 2001. However, the vehicle population in Tamil Nadu has
increased almost 300 times from 27,325 in 1951 to 82.21 lakh in 2006. The
road network has not kept pace with this increase, growing at only 8.5 times,
570
from 32,307 Km. to 1.89 lakh Km. in 2006. The exponential growth of vehicular
traffic has necessitated the increase in the existing road network.
During the first four years of the Tenth Plan period (2002-2006), the
growth of vehicles in Tamilnadu was 11.85% per annum. The rate of transport
vehicles to non-transport vehicles was 7:93. Transport vehicles include
passenger buses, goods carriages, and contract carriages such as auto, taxis
etc. Non-transport vehicles comprise personalized vehicles like two wheelers,
cars and others. In transport vehicles, stage carriage bus growth was meagre
(1.52%) because of the need for permits for bus operations, while goods
carriage growth was observed at 9.46%. Under personalized transport, cars
grew at 9.64%, but the most significant growth was observed in the segment
of two wheelers that grew at an alarming 12.43%.
Category wise growth of vehicles during the Tenth Plan is given in the
Table below:
Table 12.3. 1
571
Role of Government in the Transport Sector
The role of the Government is to see that the Public Transport System in
the State provides an efficient, secure and safe service to the public through
its Public Sector undertakings and allied Organisations. Besides, the Public
Transport System also improves the image of the Government. The Government
of Tamil Nadu has taken great efforts in developing such a road based transport
system, catering to the needs of fast growing travelling public in the State.
The Transport Department has, under its administrative control, 7 State
Transport Undertakings, and allied organisations viz., Tamil Nadu Transport
Development Finance Corporation Ltd (TNTDFC). The Pallavan Transport
Consultancy Services Ltd. (P.T.C.S.), Institute of Road Transport (I.R.T.),
Chennai and Motor Vehicles Maintenance Department (MVMD). It is also the
Nodal Agency in respect of projects implemented within the State by
the Southern Railway, Postal and Telecommunications Departments and the
Civil Aviation Department of the Government of India. The functions and
activities of the departments/ organisations under the control of Transport
department and their performance during the Tenth Plan period are outlined
below.
State Transport Undertakings (STU)
Till 1971, transport operations in the State were under the administrative
control of Government. After 1971, this was entrusted to the various Transport
Corporations registered under the Companies Act, 1956. Thereafter, the
Government appointed two Committees of Experts called the Pattabiraman
Committee in 1976 and the Thillainayagam Committee in 1990 to study, in
depth, the existing operations of the State Transport Undertakings and suggest
measures to improve them. The recommendations of these Expert Committees
have been implemented wherever possible.
There were twenty-one Passenger Transport Undertakings, formed under
the Companies Act in Tamilnadu. The Transport Undertakings are functioning
in pursuance of the Government Policy on nationalisation of passenger bus
transport in Tamilnadu. The 21 Transport Corporations were amalgamated to
form seven Transport Corporations, with a view to reduce the administrative
overheads and to avoid wasteful competition in the operation of services among
the Corporations. Of the seven transport corporations that operate in Tamil
572
Nadu now, one is meant exclusively for operation of services in city of Chennai,
one exclusively for the operation of Express services on the long distance
intra-state and inter-state routes, and the five other Corporations operate
Mofussil and Town Services in the Districts.
Physical Performance of STU
The STUs are providing efficient, adequate and co-ordinated transport
services to the public at an affordable cost. As on 31.03.2006, the State
Transport Undertakings are operating 16982 buses. Out of these, Mofussil
buses are 5977 [35.2%], Town/Metro Buses 8175 [48.14%], Ghat buses 522
[3.07%], Express buses 795 [4.68%] and Spare buses 1513 [8.91%]. The STUs
cover more than 67 lakh Kilometre catering to 177 lakh passengers a day.
The other physical parameters have been consistently good during the Tenth
Five Year Plan period, as may be seen from the following Table:
Table 12.3.2
From the above table it is seen that there was an increasing trend in
percentage fleet utilisation, percentage of utilisation of Km.vehicle productivity
(Km. operated per bus per day), load factor percentage, fuel efficiency (Km.
per litre), bus staff ratio, staff productivity (Km. per worker per day), passengers
carried per day and also a decreasing trend in Accidents during the Tenth
plan period.
573
Financial Performance of STU
The financial performance of the STUs, however, has not been satisfactory.
The profit / loss incurred during the Tenth Five Year Plan is given in the
following Table:
Table 12.3. 3
Even though the STU excelled in physical parameters consistently, they
have been incurring huge loss in all years, except during the two years when
marginal profit was achieved. This is mainly due to the low fare structure and
high cost of operation. The fare in Tamil Nadu is the lowest in the country. It
was last revised in December 2001. Since then the fuel cost has almost
doubled, the wages to the employees has gone up due to wage settlements
and all the other input costs have also gone up considerably. As a result of the
above situation, the STUs have not been able to replace their over-aged buses
as per norms. The number of new buses introduced by STU during the Tenth
Five Year Plan period, as against a Plan target of 10000 buses is indicated in
the following Table:
Table 12.3. 4
As a result, the proportion of over-aged buses has gone up from 38.20%
in 2002-03 to 55.58% in 2005-06, coming down marginally to 53.7% by
31-03-07.
574
Tamil Nadu Transport Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (TDFC)
TDFC Ltd. commenced its business in March 1975 to cater to the long
term financial requirements of State Transport Undertakings towards the
purchase of new bus chassis, body building, setting up of workshops and also
to meet the working capital requirements by mobilizing adequate funds from
the general public through public deposits. TDFC has been registered as a
Non Banking Finance Company with the Reserve Bank of India and classified
as a Hire Purchase Company. The authorised share capital of the company is
Rs.70 crore and paid up share capital is Rs. 61.74 crore of which the
Government has contributed Rs. 43.03 crore and the STUs have contributed
Rs. 18.71 crore till date.
Financial Performance
Tamil Nadu Transport Development Finance Corporation Ltd., has a track
record of earning profit every year since its inception from 1975. The profit
earned for the last 4 years is given below:
Table 12.3. 5
The total amount of deposits with TDFC Ltd., as on 31.03.2007, amount
to Rs.674.39 crore. The financial assistance extended by the Transport
Development Finance Corporation to the State Transport Undertakings since
its inception upto 31.03.2007 is Rs.6523.98 crore.
Institute of Road Transport (IRT)
The Institute of Road Transport (IRT) is a registered Society under the
Indian Societies Act, 1860. This Institute has entered its 30th year in
2005-06 and continues to expand its services. The Institute undertakes applied
research on issues pertaining to Road Transport and performs quality
575
monitoring by conducting tests on random samples of spares procured by the
STUs in Tamil Nadu, besides imparting training on a large scale to the
employees of STUs and the general public. The Automobile Research Oriented
Engineering College known as Institute of Road and Transport Technology
was established in 1984 under the aegis of IRT. The Perundurai Medical College
and Research Centre was established in 1986 and the three Polytechnics
started by IRT are functioning at Chromepet, Bargur and Tirunelveli since
1992-93. IRT is also running Driver Training Centres at Gummidipoondi, Trichy
and at 3 Regional Centres at Madurai, Salem and Pollachi in association with
the STUs. The Institute is also running a Light Vehicle Driver Training Centre
at Taramani, Chennai and Trichy for giving driver training in light motor vehicles
and two wheelers.
Motor Vehicle Maintenance Department (MVMD)
Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Maintenance Department (MVMD) is a service
oriented department undertaking maintenance/ repairs of all Government
vehicles spread over in the State. It is responsible for the maintenance and
upkeep of about 10,000 vehicles. There are 20 Government Automobile
Workshops in the District Headquarters throughout the State and one Service
Station at Secretariat for this purpose. There are three Regional Deputy
Directorates, one each at Chennai, Salem and Madurai working for an effective
supervision and functioning of the works at these workshops. It is also
operating two Consumer Bunks at the Secretariat and one each at Thanjavur,
Madurai, Salem, Coimbatore, Trichy, Dharmapuri, Cuddalore and Nagercoil
for the supply of fuel and other lubricants to the State Government vehicles
in and around those places.
State Transport Authority
The Transport Department is headed by the Transport Commissioner
and functions under the administrative control of the Home Department of
the Government. The Transport Commissioner also functions as State
Transport Authority. In Chennai city, the Joint Transport Commissioner (City)
is the Regional Transport Authority while in the Districts the Collectors are
the Regional Transport Authorities. The State Transport Appellate Tribunal,
Chennai, considers appeals and revision petitions against the orders of Regional
Transport Authority and State Transport Authority.
576
In order to enforce the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules
and Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Taxation Act and Rules made under the Act,
this Department has an “Enforcement Wing” headed by the Joint Transport
Commissioner (Enforcement).
Road Safety
Ensuring Road Safety is one of the important functions being looked
after by the Transport Department. It is the endeavour of the Government to
prevent accidents, save precious lives and increase safety for all road users.
The number of accidents in Tamil Nadu and persons involved are shown in
the table below.
Table 12.3. 6
The increase in the number of accidents is mainly due to non-observanceof traffic rules by drivers and carelessness and negligence on the part of roadusers. It is also due to enormous increase in the number of vehicles on road.The accidents compensation commitment has gone up drastically fromRs.16.03 crore in the year 1991-92 to Rs.104 crore in the year 2006-07.Hence, the Government accords importance to accident prevention measuresto reduce road accidents involving STU vehicles.
Road Safety Council
A Road Safety Council has been established under Section 215 of MotorVehicles Act, 1988. The Chief Minister is the Chairman of this Committee.District Road Safety Councils have also been constituted for each district underthe Chairmanship of the Collector. These Councils discuss measures to reduce
577
accidents and make their suggestions to Government. These Committeesmeet atleast once in three months.
Road Safety Commissioner
During the year 2000, the Government of Tamil Nadu has nominated theTransport Commissioner as Road Safety Commissioner for the State toco-ordinate the different departments/agencies directly and indirectly involvedin the road safety programme.
Road Safety Fund
The Government have created a Road Safety Fund during the year 2000to fund Road Safety Activities. Allocations will be made to the fund fromCompounding Fees and Spot Fines collected by Transport and PoliceDepartments. A Committee chaired by the Home Secretary administers thefund. The proceeds from compounding fees and spot finances collected bythe Transport / Police Department are paid into the Road Safety Fund. Thefund is being utilized for Road Safety Programmes such as Road SafetyMeasures, Road Safety awareness and purchase of Road Safety equipments,in association with the Commissioner of Police, District Collectors and other
concerned Departments.
Table 12.3. 7
578
Table 12.3. 8
The Financial Outlay for the Tenth Plan was Rs. 700 crore. The Budgeted
outlay is Rs.252.54 crore for which the achievement made is Rs.143.03 crore.
12.3.2. Eleventh Five Year Plan
State Transport Undertakings
The State Transport Corporations in Tamil Nadu are maintaining a low
fare for purposes of making the bus services affordable to the poor. They are
not able to periodically revise their fare even to compensate for increases in
fuel costs and other input costs. If the same situation continues, it would be
very difficult to make the operations viable and generate resources for
augmenting the bus fleets. To tide over the financial loss an outlay of Rs.172.50
crore is proposed as a short term loan to the State Transport Undertakings.
However, a simulation of the financial position assuming a moderate fare
revision after factoring only the increase in fuel costs and staff costs and also
(Rs. in crore)
579
taking credit for improvement in productivity and cost cutting measures gives
the financial performance of the State Transport Undertaking as follows:
Table 12.3. 9
The estimated total cash generation during the Eleventh Plan period is
Rs. 1936 crore with an estimated profit of Rs.741 crore.
Table 12.3. 10
The STUs have made a projection
of 11,000 new buses put on road
during the Eleventh Five Year Plan
period. For purchase of new buses to
meet both augmentation and
replacement for the STUs in
Tamilnadu, the outlay works out to be
Rs.539.02 crore for the Eleventh Plan
period. The Government will extend
minimum support to STU for regular
operational expenses as well as
acquisition and replacement of busesMetro Bus
580
till their financial position improves. The resource requirements of the STU’s
will also be met by TNTDFC.
Tamil Nadu Transport Development Finance Corporation Limited (TDFC)
The Government also contribute to the share capital of TDFC to strengthen
its equity base. This will enable TDFC to play a major role in the capital work
fleet augmentation programmes of the STU by providing hire purchase and
term loan facilities. A provision of Rs.100 crore is proposed as share capital
support to TDFC.
Motor Vehicles Maintenance Department (MVMD)
The Schemes proposed for Eleventh Five Year Plan are computerising the
activities of Unit workshops and creation of website for Motor Vehicles
Maintenance Department, restructuring the workshop layout to meet out the
present environment, conducting regular training programmes to impart
training to the personnel on the new generation vehicles to update their
knowledge and skill and strengthening of the Department for better
performance, active supervision and control. The total outlay for these schemes
during the Eleventh Five Year Plan is Rs.12.40 crore
The Institute of Road Transport (IRT)
Objectives
� To establish a Transport Training Academy with all infrastructure
facilities and driving range to impart a scientific driver training course,
� To conserve fuel by conducting refresher training courses on fuel
conservation
� To produce scientifically trained Driving Instructors of Private Driving
Schools.
In order to meet the increasing demand for drivers and realizing the
need to produce quality drivers in driving of transport vehicles in the interest
of road safety, heavy vehicle driver training has been commenced in
collaboration with various Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporations in their
existing driver training schools. However, a full-fledged driver-training institute
is proposed to be set up at TNSTC Regions at Villupuram, Kumbakonam,
581
Madurai, Pollachi, Salem, Metropolitan Transport Corporation Limited (MTC),
Chennai and State Express Transport Corporation Limited (SETC) on the same
lines of driver training institute established at Gummidipundi along with a
Driving Range so as to serve throughout Tamil Nadu. The Institute of Road
Transport will also get funds for this purpose from the Central Government
as a one time grant. This grant shall be released in phased manner during
the Eleventh Plan. Thus the total financial outlay proposed for the Institute of
Road Transport including the establishment of the Transport Training Academy
at Chromepet and seven Driver Training Institutes in the state is Rs.27.10
crore.
Upgradation of Transport Corporation Workshops and Metropolitan
Transport Bus Depots in Chennai
The workshops of the 7 Transport Corporations and 25 bus depots of the
Metropolitan Transport Corporation are proposed to be upgraded during the
Eleventh Five Year Plan in a phased manner over a period of 3 years. A sum of
Rs. 115 crore is proposed to be allocated for this purpose.
State Transport Authority-New Regional Transport Offices
The number of vehicles is increasing day by day. The 55.59 lakh vehicles
running in the year 2001 have been increased to 88.51 lakhs in the year
2006. It is seen by the records that the total number of vehicles in Tamilnadu
as on 1.4.2007 is 91.03 lakhs. It shows almost double in 7 years of period.
The vehicular population may be increased double in the next five years.
In order to have better control over vehicle management, more number of
Regional Transport Offices are required. It is estimated that for a Regional
Transport Office is required for every 1 lakh vehicles. During the Eleventh
Five Year Plan, it has been proposed to establish five Regional Transport Offices.
An outlay of Rs.1 crore is proposed to construct office buildings in the following
places Gudalure, Tiruchengode, Srivilliputhur, Arani, and Valliyur.
Modernisation and Expansion of Airports
In the recent past Chennai has grown as a Hub for foreign direct
investment in sectors like Manufacturing, Automobiles, Electronic Hardware,
Information Technology,Services, etc. Such investment is still growing. Apart
582
from this, a large number of foreign investors like Ford, Hyundai, Saint Gobain,
Motorola, Nokia, Dell, Flextronics, Mahindra Renault etc., have made Chennai
their production base. Tamil Nadu is also an important destination for foreign
tourists. In recent years, the Chennai Airport has recorded significant growth
in both passenger traffic and cargo movement. Keeping all these in mind, the
Government has decided to go for Modernisation and Expansion of Chennai
Airport in coordination with the Government of India. As regards the
non-metro airports like Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy and Tuticorin airports,
the State Government is taking action to provide lands for their expansion
and modernisation in order to meet the growing needs of the passengers and
the cargo.
Table 12.3. 11
(Rs. in crore)
