The Hindu : Front Page : MTC launches metal remover vehicle

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Friday, Oct 26, 2007
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MTC launches metal remover vehicle

Staff Reporter

— Photo: S.Thanthoni

USEFUL DEVICE: The metal remover magnet vehicle is expected to help the MTC reduce breakdown due to puncture.

CHENNAI: The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) on Thursday launched a recovery vehicle fitted with a 10-foot long magnet to clear sharp metallic objects such as nails, that often cause breakdown of its buses.

The magnetic panel will collect small bolts, nails, iron pieces and other metallic objects weighing up to 100 gram apiece. It is fitted in such a way that it does not damage speed breakers.

An MTC official said a review of the causes for breakdown had shown that puncture was a major reason. Hence the decision to deploy the vehicle. The recovery vehicle was recently operated on a trial basis for a fortnight between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Anna Salai and Kamarajar Salai. About four kg of metal waste was collected each day, the official said.

Besides MTC buses, the initiative will also benefit two-wheelers riders, who face the same problem, the official said.

The vehicle would be operated on other busy roads, including Poonamallee High Road, Tiruvottiyur High Road and damaged stretches in north Chennai. It would also function as a mobile squad to attend to repairs of buses.

The MTC plans to introduce four more ‘metal remover magnet vehicles’ on various bus routes shortly.

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