Should CM Stalin Overhaul the TN Transport Department?

Chennai, July 7 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu chapter of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has vehemently criticized the ruling DMK government for its apparent mismanagement of the state's transportation infrastructure, urging Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to take immediate action. The BJP is advocating for a comprehensive revamp of the transport department, emphasizing the necessity to prioritize passenger needs over profit margins.

In a statement released on Monday, BJP spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad claimed that the transport department has morphed into a source of public distress rather than a service to the citizens.

“The system is nearing collapse due to a lack of effective governance. The government's inability to tackle staffing shortages and route mismanagement is affecting daily commuters throughout Tamil Nadu,” Prasad asserted.

He highlighted the long-overdue hiring of drivers and conductors as a critical concern.

Despite the government’s previous order to fill 2,877 vacancies across eight state-run transport corporations last year, recruitment efforts have faced continuous delays.

In March, it was stated that applications would be accepted for 3,274 vacancies, yet the process remains unfulfilled.

“There are grave allegations that DMK officials have been soliciting bribes for job placements. If substantiated, this represents a profound betrayal of public trust,” Prasad alleged.

He urged CM Stalin and Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar to clarify the recruitment status and to ensure a transparent hiring process.

The BJP also condemned the government for reducing free bus services for women while simultaneously raising fares, arguing that this move seeks to profit at the expense of the public.

“Women who previously depended on these complimentary services are now compelled to either pay more or walk significant distances due to decreased service frequency,” he added.

The statement also pointed out the inadequate management of bus services in Chennai and its outskirts, particularly after 9 P.M., leaving numerous passengers stranded.

“Even in the Chief Minister’s own Kolathur constituency, depots like Periyar Nagar, Kumaran Nagar, and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar are struggling due to insufficient services,” the senior BJP leader remarked.

On Sundays, the situation deteriorates further, with about 150 buses being removed from service. The BJP dismissed the government’s justification of 'lower passenger traffic' as unsatisfactory.

“Although the city operates over 3,200 buses, irregular schedules and poor planning result in clusters of arrivals followed by extended waits. The public is exasperated,” Prasad noted.

The BJP reiterated the call for a complete overhaul of the transport department, advocating for a focus on passenger needs over profit motives.

“The DMK government’s negligence has reached intolerable levels. The people of Tamil Nadu deserve far better,” the statement concluded.