TN plans to purchase 1,600 pollution free buses

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government plans to purchase 1,600 pollution-free buses for public use in three cities, utilizing funds announced as part of the Centre's second stimulus package released in January this year.  The policy note of the Transport Department, presented in the Tamil Nadu Assembly by Minister K.N. Nehru, said Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore are eligible for the Central grants.  According to the stimulus package, states will be provided assistance to purchase buses for improving their urban transport systems under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.  "While the grants for Madurai and Coimbatore are 50 per cent of the total cost, it is 35 per cent for Chennai and the balance will be borne by the state government," the note said without mentioning the total cost involved.  The package, which among others, aimed at bailing out the auto sector in the country from the impact of the economic meltdown, had decided to provide funds as a one time measure up to June 30.