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Dravidian Model Of Governance: TN’s Transport Department And Law Enforcement At Loggerheads?

The Commune

In the midst of the ongoing dispute between state transport department and the law enforcement regarding complimentary rides on government buses, police authorities have begun imposing penalties on buses for various infractions.

Over the past day, 22 buses parked in no-parking zones opposite the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) in Kilambakkam have been fined. Previously, the Tambaram police had issued warnings to buses against halting at unauthorized locations along the Chennai-Trichy national highway, citing traffic obstruction concerns. Those buses that disregarded this directive and stopped to drop off passengers were fined ₹1,000 rupees on 22 May and 23 May 2024.

In Semmencherry, a government-operated mofussil bus traveling on the Chennai-Puducherry route was penalized ₹1,000 for a parking violation and impeding vehicular movement. In another instance, a driver from the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), named Subramanian, was fined ₹1,000 for failing to stop at the designated area. Elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, instances of buses being overloaded with passengers and exceeding speed limits have been reported.

Police, who had previously shown leniency towards traffic violations committed by government buses, have recently intensified enforcement following mixed reactions on social media regarding the Nanguneri incident.

The traffic police fined 3 government bus drivers ₹500 each in Valliyur, Tirunelveli for not wearing seat belts and not wearing uniform properly.

Government buses in Erode, Chennai were penalized with fine for breaking traffic regulations by driving on one-way streets and no parkings.

The employees of the transportation department declined to allow free transportation for the police, even when presented with a warrant. According to regulations, they are entitled to complimentary travel, but the department employees still refused.

Context

The ongoing conflict between the two department began recently and unfolded against the setting of a situation involving a police officer three days ago. The officer boarded a government bus bound for Thoothukudi via Tirunelveli at the Nanguneri court. When the conductor requested a ticket from the constable, he contended that, being a government employee, he had the right to travel for free. This viewpoint was enetered into an arguement.

The conductor insisted that policemen need a warrant to travel for free; otherwise, they must buy a ticket. The policeman refused and an argument ensued, with the exchange being captured on video and spreading widely on social media.

In response, the transport department issued a statement clarifying that policemen cannot travel on government buses without paying unless they have a warrant. They reiterated that policemen must purchase tickets if they don’t have a warrant and recommended departmental action against the Nanguneri policeman involved. Condemning the transport department’s action, Annamalai criticized the lack of communication regarding the free travel policy, noting that it has been three years since the Chief Minister’s announcement.

In this regard,  Annamalai in his official X handle stated that, “In the grant request for the year 2021-2022, when Chief Minister Stalin himself has announced free travel in buses within the working district, how is it justified to harass policeman Arumuga pandi like this?”

“It is surprising that even after three years the notification of the Chief Minister’s demand for grants has not been communicated to the transport corporations. I would like to advise to inform all the District Transport Corporations immediately about this announcement and immediately implement the announcement of free bus travel for policemen in the working districts across Tamil Nadu, and I insist that no action including departmental action should be taken against Policeman Arumugapandi.”

Anna Trade Union Secretary Meets Press

In light of this the secretary of the Anna Thozhir Sangam (Anna Trade Union) met reporters over the government’s apathy.

Reporter: “Day before yesterday, in Nanguneri, a conductor insisted a police officer had no ticket and should get a ticket. Similarly, a bus has been fined in Kilambakkam today, how do you see this?”

Anna Union State secretary Kamalakannan replied, “Everyone who travels on government transport should get a ticket, it is a fact, it is a duty, and that is the rule. If the policeman had a warrant, he could have showed and left, but there was no warrant. Our conductor insisted that he should take a ticket. Immediately there was an argument, and today I heard that they initiated an inquiry. What does the police department do in the meantime, saying, ‘You ask us for a ticket, I will take care of you’. Yesterday, they have filed a case. A fine of one thousand rupees was imposed on a driver. “

“If you see what’s the fine, A vehicle coming from Maduranthakam, that goes to Koyambedu, whenever it comes, the vehicle will stop on the opposite side of Kilambakkam, two or three passengers will get off and enter (Kilambakkam) from that side. Even the police will help them (to cross) at the bus stand, this vehicle will go straight up the bridge and reach Koyambedu. A fine of five hundred rupees has been imposed on this vehicle for parking at no parking and a fine of five hundred rupees for parking the vehicle disturbing the public, totaling one thousand rupees. This is strongly condemned.” he added.

Later, Kamalakannan expressed his disappointment over the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to prematurely open the Kilambakkam bus stand without completing the necessary work, all in a rush to celebrate the centenary of Kalaignar, the father of Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, MK Stalin.

Kamalakannan stated, “The government has hastily opened this bus stand on a emergency basis. We all suggested that it should have been tweaked a bit more. However, They opened this incomplete bus stand hastily for the sole reason of naming and celebrating the centenary of his father Kalaignar.”

He further explained how a bus traveling from the south must pass the bus stand, descend a bridge for three-quarters of a kilometer, make a U-turn, and head back to the bus stand. Upon leaving, it must travel one kilometer towards Urapakkam and make another U-turn. This three-kilometer detour for entry and exit is unnecessary he said.

“Considering that three kilometers of travel consumes one liter of diesel, and one liter of diesel costs ₹100 rupees today, the cost for 2000 buses is substantial. It’s a significant loss that could have been avoided with better planning.“, he said.

“Moreover, there should be a cut-through to allow the bus to enter and exit more efficiently. Inside the bus stand, there is only one ATM, leading to long queues. A traffic signal should be installed for better traffic management. The bus stand lacks facilities and seems to have been opened hastily on an emergency basis without proper planning. This situation needs immediate attention and improvement.”, he further added.

 

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