Media Coverage

To improve Chennai's bus service, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) is auditing user experiences about safety, comfort and reliability of Chennai's buses. Sumana, CAG, comments on how MTC can ensure information (on timings, routes, etc) is communicated effectively to passengers.

This article quotes a study by CAG on the need for integrated communication on public transit that is accurate and easily accessible. Have you ever turned up at a bus stop only to find that the stop has been moved several hundred metres down the road? And only immediate neighbours of the bus stop are privy to this information, having found this out by chance themselves? 

This article quotes CAG’s report which aptly highlights that despite having more installed renewable energy capacity than non-renewables, Tamil Nadu still depends on coal for electricity and lacks a framework for hybrid solar-wind systems.

The Smart Urban Roads project under the Chennai City Partnership Programme does not align with crucial mobility targets.It prioritises motorised transport, and for the most part, sidelines walking, cycling and public transit. Sumana, CAG, comments that if done right, this is an excellent opportunity for the city to meet the livelihood and mobility needs of its people.

An article that explains Tamil Nadu's road safety policy and its lack of clarity with regards to implementation and resource allocation, based on CAG's qualitative comparative analysis on road safety policies from different states across the country.

Riding on the wrong side of the road can be a costly infraction. An article that explains that public behaviour, road design and enforcement changes are needed to fix this problem.

Improving Chennai's public transport will be an integral part of making the city, climate resilient. With commuters facing long waits for their bus while sitting on hot, metal seats or under leaky-roof bus shelters, Sumana, CAG, explains that increasing the frequency of buses is central to solving these problems. This then needs to be followed up by other climate resilient measures that improve waiting conditions, last mile connectivity etc.

With construction of the Metro causing severe disruptions to traffic flow, Sumana, CAG explains that giving commuters adequate, prior notice on road closure will go a long way towards easing congestion.

Hypertension is a growing and serious health condition in India. According to India Hypertension Control Initiative, India has an estimated 20 crore adults with hypertension, of whom approximately only 2 crores have it under control. An article by CAG on the occasion of World Hypertension day 2023, stressing the importance of regular blood pressure checks and compliance with medication.

Plastic is more than just an environmental problem. With developing nations bearing the brunt of the plastic crisis, it is also a socioeconomic, and geopolitical one. Madhuvanthi, CAG, explains what we can expect from nations as details of the Global Plastics Treaty are being thrashed out by CSOs, petrochem lobbies and governments themselves.

The recent rules notified by the state government for electronic monitoring and enforcement of road safety will allow placement of devices such as speed cameras and automatic number plate recognition at key traffic spots. Sumana, CAG, says that this is a much needed move to enforce road rules, but one that will achieve desired outcomes only if it is fully automated. Additionally, collecting the fines from offenders needs to be enforced also.

Chennai might pride itself on being the first city in the country with a non-motorised traffic policy, says Sumana, CAG, but has this policy actually made our pedestrians any safer?