Mixed response to DMK manifesto

Trichy: DMK's election manifesto has earned mixed response from Trichiites, with the public welcoming the proposal for a dry port in Trichy and assurance to introduce electric buses in the city. But key expectations of people who made representations to the manifesto drafting committee, such as a separate road transport corporation (TNSTC) for Trichy and service roads for Trichy-Thanjavur National Highway (NH), were ignored.Among the promises appreciated are an assurance to develop global capability centres (GCCs) in Trichy with focus on adequate infrastructure to invite emerging technology investments. Plan for global cities, a satellite town-like infrastructure to manage population growth in urban Trichy, also drew praise. Announcement of a global talent gateway to boost employment opportunities for youths was also welcomed to support the local industries requiring a skilled workforce. "E-buses will be of great help in connecting destinations that are not directly linked by TNSTC buses so far. But the manifesto being silent on TNSTC Trichy division is unfortunate," Rajitvel Perumal, member, Trichy Intra-City Development Endeavours (TIDES), said. The demand for separate transport division carved out of Kumbakonam TNSTC division was persistently raised by locals to address connectivity woes in the city's public transport. As in the case of AIADMK manifesto, DMK's list of promises ignoring the service roads demand for Trichy-Thanjavur NH was also criticised. Absence of city-specific announcements was also cited as drawback of the manifesto.