Operate more buses
Reaching a desired destination in time by a Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus is really an ordeal for residents of West Mambalam.
The frequency of express and deluxe buses on routes 11G, 11H, 12G and 49A continues to be poor.
Only two buses are operated from Rangarajapuram and the other express 11/A and deluxe 12C are rarely seen.
There is no direct bus to Adyar, Egmore, Triplicane, Royapuram and CMBT.
Reaching the Mambalam railway station to go to Egmore by EMU is not easy and residents are at the mercy of autorickshaws.
Similarly, the route PP49 — once linking Vadapalani and VGP via West Mambalam — has to be restored for residents to reach Adyar and beyond.
R. Ramadurai
West Mambalam
No facilities for loco pilots
Long-distance trains and electric locomotives do not have separate toilets for drivers and guards. From the start of the journey till the destination, they cannot move from their seat and it leads to many health problems.
Southern Railway should consider arranging a suitable mini-carriage next to the engine especially for drivers and guards for the purpose.
N. Sivachandran
Maraimalai Nagar
Construct more Cattle Barriers
It is observed that cattle barriers on the city streets are effective only up to a certain level. The solution for the increasing problems caused by stray cattle on the streets of Triplicane is to adequately supplement the existing fleet of cattle-impounding vehicles.
A hefty fine is required to be imposed on the owners of the roaming cattle, with strict warning that repeated offence would entail confiscation of the animals.
Will the civic body act on a priority basis and help reduce the ordeals of Triplicane residents?
K.R. Venkataraman
Triplicane
Online form filling for passport
While filling up online forms for applying for new or renewal of existing passports, the space limit for typing details is restricted to 60 characters only. Online forms available on Passport Seva Kendra website — www.passportindia.gov. — need immediate modifications to accommodate a minimum of 100 characters to type address details.
Appointment with PSK can be booked, cancelled or deferred up to three times only and correcting any document proof mismatch will not be allowed after that.
V. Gurumoorthy
Chennai
Getting bus passes remains an ordeal
Getting free bus passes for senior citizens is still an ordeal. It would be ideal if they are issued passes like that of students. I have been requesting through letters in this column that senior citizens be allotted the six seats in the back, near the conductor’s seat, for the elderly. Needless to say, senior citizens deserve to be treated courteously.
I.S. Srinivasan,
Vetri Nagar
Review interest rate revision
The recent decision taken by the Central government to reduce the interest rates of small savings schemes will affect the poor and the middle class. Pensioners will also be hit. Such schemes are preferred for the long term and for saving for the future. Interest rates of Sukanya Samriddhi for the girl child and also schemes introduced for the male child and senior citizens by the Postal Department will also be affected.
The practice of reviewing interest rates every quarter will prevent one from predicting the exact amount he/she will receive on the date of maturity. Considering all these facts, the government should review the move.
R.Radhakrishnan
Pozhichalur
(Readers can send feedback and pictures about civic issues to reporting.thehindu@ gmail.com)
