பயணியர் வருகை குறைவால் 34 ரயில்கள் ரத்து

பயணியர் வருகை குறைவால் 34 ரயில்கள் ரத்து

Added : மே 07, 2021 00:46

சென்னை:பயணியர் வருகை குறைவால் தமிழகத்தில் பல்லவன் வைகை தேஜஸ் உட்பட 34 ரயில்கள் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டு உள்ளன.

* சென்னை எழும்பூர் - காரைக்குடி இடையே தினமும் இயக்கப்படும் பல்லவன் எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் நாளை முதல் ஜூன் 1 வரையும்; சென்னை எழும்பூர் - மதுரை இடையே இயக்கப்படும் தேஜஸ் ரயில் நாளை முதல் 31ம் தேதி வரையும் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

* சென்னை எழும்பூர் - மதுரை இடையே இயக்கப்படும் வைகை எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் எழும்பூரில் இருந்து 9ம் தேதி முதல் ஜூன் 1 வரையும் மதுரையில் இருந்து நாளை முதல் 31ம் தேதி வரையும் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

சென்னை எழும்பூர் - திருச்சி மலைக்கோட்டை எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் எழும்பூரில் இருந்து 9ம் தேதி முதல் ஜூன் 1 வரையும்; திருச்சியில் இருந்து நாளை முதல் 31ம் தேதி வரையும் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

* சென்னை எழும்பூரில் இருந்து மதுரைக்கு சனி மற்றும் ஞாயிற்று கிழமைகளில் இயக்கப் படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் வரும் 13ம் தேதியில் இருந்து 30ம் தேதி வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி. ஆர். சென்ட்ரல்-ஈரோடு இடையே இயக்கப்படும் ஏற்காடு எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் கோவைக்கு இயக்கப்படும் சேரன் இன்டர்சிட்டி எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் சிறப்பு ரயில்கள் நாளை முதல் 31ம் தேதி வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி.ஆர். சென்ட்ரலில் இருந்து கோவைக்கு சனிக்கிழமைகளில் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் 15ம் தேதியில் இருந்து 29ம் தேதி வரையும்; கோவையில் இருந்து வெள்ளிக்கிழமைகளில் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் 14 முதல் 28ம் தேதி வரையும் ரத்து செய்யப்படுள்ளன

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி. ஆர். சென்ட்ரலில் இருந்து மதுரைக்கு வாரம் மூன்று நாட்கள் இயக்கப்படும் துரந்தோ சிறப்பு ரயில் 10ம் தேதியில் இருந்து 30ம் தேதி வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

* சென்னை எழும்பூரில் இருந்து நாகர்கோவிலுக்கு வியாழக்கிழமைகளில் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் 13 முதல் 27ம் தேதி வரையும்; நாகர்கோவிலில் இருந்து எழும்பூருக்கு வெள்ளிக்கிழமைகளில் இயக்கப்படும் ரயில் வரும் 14 முதல் 28ம் தேதி வரையும் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன* தாம்பரம் - நாகர்கோவில் இடையே வாரத்தில் மூன்று நாட்கள் இயக்கப்படும் அந்தியோதயா எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் நாளை முதல் ஜூன் 1வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி.ஆர். சென்ட்ரல் - ஜோலார்பேட்டை இடையே தினமும் இயக்கப்படும் ஏலகிரி எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் நாளை முதல் ஜூன் 1ம் தேதி வரை ரத்து செய்யப்படுள்ளது* தாம்பரம் - நாகர்கோவில் இடையே வாரம் மூன்று நாட்கள் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் 9ம் தேதி முதல் ஜூன் 1 வரை ரத்து செய்யப்படுள்ளது

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி.ஆர். சென்ட்ரலில் இருந்து கேரளா மாநிலம் திருவனந்தபுரத்துக்கு ஞாயிற்று கிழமைகளிலும் திருவனந்தபுரத்தில் இருந்து சென்ட்ரலுக்கு சனிக்கிழமைகளிலும் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில்கள் நாளை முதல் 30ம் தேதி வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி. ஆர். சென்ட்ரல் - திருவனந்தபுரம் இடையே தினமும் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் நாளை முதல் ஜூன் 1 வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. இந்த ரயில்கள் இருவழியிலும் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன.

‘Ovvoru Pookalume’ singer dies after contracting Covid

M J C COMAGAN 1973-2021

‘Ovvoru Pookalume’ singer dies after contracting Covid

Aditi.R@timesgroup.com

Chennai:07.05.2021

Kalaimamani awardee M J C Comagan died of Covid-19 on Thursday. The visually impaired singer was 48 years old. “His death was unexpected. We are unable to come to terms with it,” said V Anitha, his wife.

Comagan was best known as the voice behind the hit song ‘Ovvoru Pookalume’ in the 2003 Tamil film ‘Autograph’. His blind orchestra, Comaganin Raaga Priya, made its way into the 2008 Guinness Book of World Record after the group sang 682 songs for 50 straight hours. Comagan called it one of his greatest accomplishments.

According to Anitha, Comagan began developing Covid symptoms on April 17. He had high fever lasting more than 10 days. On April 24, his family took him to a hospital for the RT-PCR test, but he got a negative result. “When the doctors took a CT scan, they found that his lungs were infected and suspected Covid,” said Anitha.

On Wednesday morning, Anitha said Comagan began complaining of severe shortness of breath. They rushed him to a hospital and got him tested again and this time the test came back positive. He was immediately admitted. “When we checked his oxygen levels after a while, it was around 91-92. He was fine until late evening, when his oxygen levels dropped drastically to 40. They put him on ventilator support. At1.15am, he passed away,” she said.

Comagan was due for his second dose of the Covid vaccine this week. “He got the first dose on April 3 and in a few days, he fell ill. He never had any breathing difficulties before. It was all so sudden,” said his grieving wife.

Comagan’s journey began in 1991 with he and nine friends began an orchestra, comprising of visually impaired artists. For nearly two years, the group didn’t get opportunities to perform, but kept meeting every week, practising tirelessly.

Slowly, they began performing at music festivals, sabhas and marriage functions till ‘Autograph’ gave them their big break. Over the years, the group grew to 25 members and has given 3,500 musical performances across nine countries.

In February, Comagan was awarded the Kalaimamani award for excellence in the field of art. During an interview after the award ceremony, Comagan told TOI that it was a dream to start a music school. “I want to see an inclusive society, and also show people that anybody can achieve what they want,” he said. Comagan is survived by his wife and two children.

Now, Nehru, Gandhi will report to Stalin

Now, Nehru, Gandhi will report to Stalin

Chennai:07.05.2021

Call it by design or coincidence – Tamil Nadu’s newly minted cabinet will have a Gandhi running the Khadi and rural employment department, and a Nehru captaining urban development.

Only ticklish aspect is both this Gandhi and Nehru had faced corruption charges in the past, before being cleared of all charges by courts. Only the prospective speaker will have trouble calling out the names of Gandhi or Nehru, ordering them either to speak out or shut up. It is tough to shout: “Gandhi, your time is up. Let Nehru begin his reply now.”

For the record, however, it has to be noted R Gandhi, the four-time MLA from Ranipet constituency, is minister for Khadi, village industries, and Bhoodhan. Five-time Trichy-West MLA K N Nehru is minister for urban development and municipal administration.

In 2005, Gandhi, along with his wife and son faced a case for amassing assets disproportionate to known sources of income. The charges were quashed by courts in 2015 for want of evidence.

Nehru, too, battled a slew of corruption and grave criminal cases slapped on him by the Jayalalithaa dispensation after 2001. He battled land grab and criminal intimidation cases too. He has not been found guilty in any of them.

When results started trickling in on on May 2, meme factories in Tamil Nadu came alive pointing out that the Assembly will have a lot of renowned national and international giants — two Gandhis, one Nehru and a Stalin. The second Gandhi, bearing initials M R, could not get into the cabinet because he got elected in BJP ticket, representing Nagercoil constituency. TNN

Stalin’s 1st cabinet is mixed bag of experience & youth

Stalin’s 1st cabinet is mixed bag of experience & youth

Julie.Mariappan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:07.05.2021

It is a mix of old timers, young and new faces in the 34-member cabinet of M K Stalin that will steer the state government for the next five years. The DMK chief has inducted15 new faces, reinforcing the party’s commitment to bring in versatility, but kept his son and first time MLA Udhayanidhi out of the council of ministers.

There are two women members, former minister P Geetha Jeevan, and N Kayalvizhi Selvaraj, who defeated BJP president L Murugan in Dharapuram in Tirupur district by a slender margin. The new faces include former party whip R Sakkarapani, Vellore East district secretary R Gandhi, Chennai former mayor Ma Subramanian, P K Sekar Babu (Harbour), Palanivel Thiagarajan (Madurai Central), and Thiruverumbur MLA and close confidante of Udhayanidhi, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.

The party has rewarded erstwhile heavyweights of the AIADMK, who switched loyalties in the past two decades, including K K S S R Ramachandran, S Muthusamy, S R Rajakannappan, Anitha R Radhakrishnan and V Senthil Balaji. Ramachandran had served in the cabinets led by M G Ramachandran, J Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi, holding PWD, cooperation, health and BC welfare portfolios. Erode strongman Muthusamy was minister in MGR and Jayalalithaa regimes, before switching sides. Senthil Balaji has been rewarded for helping the DMK win all four seats in Karur district for which he was in charge. Rajakannappan was an influential minister in Jayalalithaa’s first cabinet and briefly led a party, Makkal Tamil Desam.

“About half the cabinet is new. It consists of rich, experienced partymen and able youngsters, who can deliver the best to the state,” DMK Rajya Sabha MP and spokesperson T K S Elangovan said. Except for K Ponmudi, who got back the higher education portfolio and Geetha Jeevan, social welfare, other seniors did not get previously held portfolios. Thangam Thennarasu, who was speculated to retain school education, has been given industries.

In a statement later in the day, Stalin explained the rationale behind formation of a new ministry called water resources, and changes in nomenclature of a few other ministries, including agriculturefarmers’ welfare, environment-climate change, medical and family welfare, fisheriesfishermen welfare, labour welfare and skill development, information, social welfare and women empowerment, human resources management and non-resident Tamils welfare.

“Functioning of the ministries and departments have undergone changes in the current situation. There is a compulsion to change the names of the ministries and departments with a long-term vision, considering the expectations of people, welfare of workforce, confronting challenges, the fixed targets and government goals,” Stalin said.

A RERUN OF 2020

A RERUN OF 2020

As curbs kick in, city turns into ghost town

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:07.05.2021

Crowded shopping hub Ranganathan Street fell silent around 12.30pm on Thursday when the last of the shops and vegetable vendors closed up for the day as the government’s stringent restrictions to control spread of Covid-19 kicked in.

By 6pm, only a handful of commuters who alighted from suburban trains at Mambalam station were found on the street. Similar was the scene at pedestrian plaza on Pondy Bazaar.

The deserted pavement turned into a play ground for homeless children, who rocked away on the toy ducks as bored auto drivers looked on.

The sparse traffic and shuttered shops brought back memories of the complete lockdown imposed last year when the pandemic was at its peak.

Arterial roads like Anna Salai, Poonamallee High Road and 100ft Road did not see heavy traffic. “Around 50% of vehicles were off the road in most places in the evening,” said a motorist.

“It’s not a full shutdown yet. But it looks like we are headed there. This is not a good sign,” said Muthu, an auto driver.

Suburban stations only saw railway staff and frontline workers, while metro trains had a moderate occupancy as people used them to get back home.

Railway staff deployed on the platforms checked identity cards of commuters at suburban stations and at MRTS stations to ensure that they are eligible for travel.

Railways has also cancelled its unreserved special trains to small towns including services from Tambaram to Villupuram and Chennai to Puducherry following a request from the state government.

Police were back on patrol, warning owners at markets and crowded areas like Mylapore, Royapettah and Anna Nagar. “We moved around to ensure that traders followed the noon deadline. No action was taken as it’s the first day. People who took time to close the shops were given a warning,” said an officer.

T K Pandian, who travelled by bus to Parrys Corner said the occupancy was moderate. “The frequency was also good from Anna Nagar. I took a metro train to return home. I saw around 12 to 14 people walking into the station at high court,” he said.

“The government should allow plumbing, auto repairs, electrical and electronics servicing centres to work. These are essential,” he added.

Few buses, crowded share autos could turn hotspots

Few buses, crowded share autos could turn hotspots

And Drivers Use Curbs To Fleece Commuters

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:07.05.2021

With the state limiting options for public transport, share auto-rickshaws are cashing in on the demand. People too seem to prefer travelling in share auto rickshaws, unmindful of the risk involved. The drivers ferry more than eight to 10 passengers at a time without adhering to Covid guidelines, putting everyone involved at risk.

Share autos are in great demand on major routes like Koyambedu to Madhavaram Koot Road, Nugambakkam to Anna Nagar, Chennai Central to Vyasarpadi and Washermenpet areas. In Chennai alone, there are as many as 61,000 share autos. Usually at least four lakh use MTC buses during peak hours. “With buses being operated only with limited seats, it is tough for me to reach my workplace. Once the seats are full, buses don’t stop. So, I am forced to take autos. They are also charging more than the usual amount,” said Parimala, who is employed at a private company.

Drivers cruise the city withouta a care as police and transport department officials turn a blind eye to this blatant violation. As per the health department’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), only three people, including the driver, are allowed in autos at a time.

Auto driver Palanivel said they strictly follow Covid guidelines. “We never allow passengers to board autos without masks. Before they boad the share autos, we give them sanitisers. With only limited seats in MTC, sometimes passengers themselves beg us to ferry them over the stipulated capacity,” he said.

An official said the transport department came across complaints that some autos were ferrying more than permissible limit of passengers. “We will ensure that all the drivers strictly adhere to SOP while ferrying passengers. If drivers continue to violate the SOP, an enforcement drive would be done to ensure safety of the passengers,” he said.

JUST GET ME THERE! More than 10 people are crammed inside an auto when the SOP says only 3, incluing the driver are allowed

Veteran Tamil actor Pandu dies of Covid-19 at 74

Veteran Tamil actor Pandu dies of Covid-19 at 74

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:07.05.2021

On Thursday, Kollywood lost yet another of its veterans as actor Pandu, best known for his performances in ‘Pammal K Samandham’, ‘Kadhal Kottai’ and ‘Kanchana 2’, passed away after being hospitalised for Covid-19. He was 74.

Pandu, who was born in Namakkal, made his acting debut in 1970 with the Tamil film ‘Maanavan’. He went on to act in more than 100 films with roles alongside superstars such as Rajinikanth, Vijay and Ajith. Most recently, he acted in films like ‘Itly’ (2018) and ‘Indha Nilai Maarum’ (2020). The actor’s passing drew condolences from the film fraternity, with many expressing their shock and disbelief over the loss.

“When actors like Goundamani uncle and Senthil sir were ruling the 90’s, he held his own with his unique style, expressions and dialogue delivery,” tweeted actor Sibi Sathyaraj. “He was very close to our family and a kind man,” said actor-choreographer and politician Gayathri Raghuram.

In previous interviews to news and television channels, Pandu spoke of how he felt proud to have shared the screen with three generations of Sivaji Ganesan’s family – Sivaji himself, his son Prabhu and his grandson Vikram Prabhu – in one lifetime.

In addition to acting, Pandu was known for his art and design sense and ran a company called ‘Capital letters’ that designed name boards. He is also famously credited with designing the AIADMK’s two-leaves logo and also the party flag, following his association with party founder and former chief minister M G Ramachandran.

“He used to design shields and trophies for various Tamil cinema anniversary programmes,” says actor and director Manobala whose film ‘Naina’ starred Pandu. “He easily became friends with the big stars he worked with, and always bought gifts for everyone when he went on his travels.”

Pandu’s demise also drew condolences from AIADMK leaders Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam, who remembered his contributions to the party, as well as his prowess as an artiste. Pandu is survived by his wife Kumudha, who is also undergoing treatment for Covid, and three sons.