Transport Nagar, a distant dream for lorry owners

The number of lorries coming into the city has been steadily increasing and the vehicles are badly in need of a parking space. Now, they pay an exorbitant rent (Rs 200 to 300 a day) to private parking owners. 

Sources said that the city has only one parking area in Madhavaram and it can accommodate 1,000 lorries. However, the number of lorries entering the city crosses 5, 000 every day. Facilities in a ‘Transport Nagar’ would include tracks, parking space, stimulators, skeleton vehicles, visual media classes and specialised training to drive heavy vehicles. It would require eight to 10 acres of land.

PV Subramani, president, Chennai Goods Transport Association (CGTA), said, “We already met the transport minister and officials to establish a ‘Transport Nagar’. However, there has been no response from the government.” He also added that drivers of the lorries were facing several challenges that affected the movement of vehicles. 

Aswathy Dilip, Programme Manager, Institute for Transport and Development Policy (ITDP), said that it would be better to establish the transport hub, as it would reduce traffic congestion in the city. “The number of lorries approaching Chennai port and other areas has been increasing steadily. A ‘Transport Nagar’ will definitely solve many problems for lorry owners. It would, especially help prevent unauthorised parking,” she added. 

A senior official of the transport department said they were in the process of identifying places. “Land acquisition is a big process and we are searching for a good location in the suburbs,” he quipped.