A day after the State government relaxed lockdown norms, Express takes you on a tour across the State
Back on wheels
Buses were seen plying with about 40 per cent strength, the conductors were geared up with face shield while passengers were seen in masks
The crowds were very minimal at many bus termini in the city. Some termini like Tollgate and Thiruvottriyur had only half its strength
On the first day of bus services resumption after lockdown relaxation, as many as 6,090 buses operated across the State
While MTC resumed operation of about 2,400 buses, the six divisions of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporations (TNSTC) have operated the rest of the buses. The State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) which caters to long distance commuters has not resumed its service
The transport department has extended the validity of ‘Travel As You Please’ monthly passes issued by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation in March upto September 15. The monthly passes issued by MTC (which operates buses in Chennai) are valid for 30 days from 16th of every month
Mall enthusiast?
Planning to visit a mall? Need not worry! The authorities are all geared up with safety measures and social distancing protocols. However, the first day recorded only a few footfalls across the city, but is likely to improve in the coming days
Go online!
Want to visit a temple? Look no further, as the websites of major temples in the State are equipped with online booking
Aadhaar details are a must
If you want to book your darshan in advance at Sri Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore and Sri Thyagaraja Swamy temple in Tiruvtoriyur, then visit their websites
An advance booking can be done for the next week
Visitors have to furnish date and time of darshan, name, gender, age, mobile number, address, Aadhaar card and email
You have to agree to the SOPs
know these
Bring the same ID Proof used during booking
Age proof is needed for children to enter without tickets below the stipulated age
Devotees in group tickets have to report together. No luggage/electronic gadgets will be allowed
Postponement / advancement/ cancellation/ refund are not allowed (if paid)
Persons above 65 years, with comorbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 are advised to stay at home
fresh air, please!
While the Corporation parks wore a deserted look in the city with hardly any visitors, many of the parks visited by Express did not follow any Standard Operating Procedures
Periyar Park in Tondiarpet and parks near Broadway witnessed similar situation
The Corporation parks near Vepery did not have a security guard, while some parks like The Agaraya Park in Old Washermenpet are still closed
We have not been provided with any thermal gun, said a watchman at the Arignar Anna Park in Royapuram
(With inputs from Omjasvin M D,T Muruganandham)