The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : New driving range created at Institute of Road Transport

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

New driving range created at Institute of Road Transport

P. Oppili

Facility for training programmes and classes for drivers

FOR SAFE DRIVING: A group of driver-trainees learning the driving techniques at the new driving range of IRT, Taramani, on Tuesday. — Photo: Shaju John

CHENNAI : A new driving range has been created on the premises of the Institute of Road Transport (IRT) in Taramani.

The driving range, created in an area of one-and-half acres, would help various Government agencies conduct training programmes for drivers and help the IRT hold driving classes.

However, the primary function of the range would be to provide training in heavy vehicle driving, IRT authorities said. The arrival of new types of heavy vehicles had created a need for providing driving lessons in this category. This need led to the creation of the driving range, they said.

The IRT has its main training range at Gummidipoondi, where the organisation is conducting driver training classes. A section of drivers from the Metropolitan Transport Corporation, who undergo refresher course, have to attend two-day practical training.

These drivers were sent to Gummidipoondi for undergoing the training.

Many of them complain that commuting to Gummidipoondi and back everyday during the programmes has become difficult. The new driving range is more accessible for MTC drivers as it is located within the city, said the IRT authorities. The range was established at a cost of Rs. 70 lakhs.

According to the authorities, the place was ideal for the Chennai Metropolitan Traffic Police to conduct awareness and training programmes for safe driving. The city traffic managers could hire the place to conduct programmes at the driving range on paying a nominal fee, the authorities said.

Signals, road signs and traffic rule signs would be installed at the range and after that, it would become fully functional, they added.

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