Trichy: The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation's (TNSTC) Kumbakonam division has launched an initiative to distribute packets of oral rehydration solution (ORS) powder to its bus conductors and drivers. This move aims to help them stay hydrated while working under the intense summer heat and challenging conditions.
Addressing Staff Complaints
With summer temperatures rising steadily, bus staff have been reporting discomfort and exhaustion, especially those working in non-air-conditioned buses. The harsh conditions prompted the division to take action. On Thursday, the division officially began distributing ORS packets at the Kumbakonam bus stand, with Managing Director K Dasarathan inaugurating the initiative.
Coverage Across Six Regions
Approximately 10,000 bus drivers and conductors operating in around 3,500 buses across six regions—Trichy, Nagapattinam, Kumbakonam, Karur, Karaikudi, and Pudukottai—can now collect ORS packets at bus stands to maintain hydration. This step is expected to significantly reduce heat-related health issues among the staff.
The distribution is part of a broader effort to ensure the well-being of employees who face extreme weather conditions daily. By providing easy access to ORS packets, TNSTC aims to prevent dehydration and heatstroke, enabling staff to perform their duties safely.
