CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is gearing up to complete the temporary bus terminus work at the Island Ground before the end of the year.
Officials stated that 75% of the work was completed, expecting to complete it all within the next couple of days.
A few months back, the local body had completed the temporary bus terminus work at Royapuram. From the beginning of next year, both termini will be operated.
Corporation Commissioner J Kumaragurubaram said, “Before the end of this year, the Corporation plans to complete the terminus work on Island Ground. All the works are completed in the Royapuram terminus. For public welfare, we’re extending the roofs of the bus shelters. Both bus stops will start functioning by New Year. The similar facilities at Royapuram bus terminus will be replicated at Island Ground bus terminus.”
Meanwhile, another GCC official told DT Next that facilities similar to those in Royapuram were being replicated at the Island Grounds temporary bus terminus, which spans over 1.15 lakh square feet (2.53 acres). “The terminus features 30 bus bays, along with dedicated restroom facilities for men, women, transgender individuals, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). It also includes seating arrangements for 60 passengers, has two water ATMs, and four drinking water tanks, each with a 2,000-litre capacity,” said the official.
Since the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) plans to redevelop the historic Broadway Bus terminus into a multi model facility complex at Rs 870 crore, the two new temporary bus stops will decongest the traffic congestion, especially the Royapuram terminus will benefit commuters from North Chennai and decrease the travelling time to Broadway.
The new terminal at Royapuram spans over 3.45 acres and has two entry and exit points and was constructed at a cost of 7.5 crore. There are 55 buses and amenities, including toilets for men, women, third gender, persons with disabilities, mother feeding room, and first aid room, crew rest area, and time keeper room are available for passengers and staff.
At the Royapuram terminus, the name boards of buses heading to Kannagi Nagar and Semmancheri TNUHDB, Perumbakkam, Saidapet West, Kellattalai, Kilambakkam, Kelambakkam, Saligramam, Poonamallee, Red Hills, and Tambaram await inauguration.
Speaking to DT Next, MTC managing director T Prabhu Shankar said, “After the works are completed at Island Ground, buses from Broadway will be operated from Royapuram and the Island Ground temporary bus terminus. The plan is to operate buses to different parts of the city from both the termini, but more details will be shared only after the works are completed to avoid confusion.”
Meanwhile, another GCC official told DT Next that facilities similar to those in Royapuram were being replicated at the Island Grounds temporary bus terminus, which spans over 1.15 lakh square feet (2.53 acres). “The terminus features 30 bus bays, along with dedicated restroom facilities for men, women, transgender individuals, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). It also includes seating arrangements for 60 passengers, has two water ATMs, and four drinking water tanks, each with a 2,000-litre capacity,” said the official.
Since the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) plans to redevelop the historic Broadway Bus terminus into a multi model facility complex at Rs 870 crore, the two new temporary bus stops will decongest the traffic congestion, especially the Royapuram terminus will benefit commuters from North Chennai and decrease the travelling time to Broadway. The new terminal at Royapuram spans over 3.45 acres and has two entry and exit points and was constructed at a cost of 7.5 crore. There are 55 buses and amenities, including toilets for men, women, third gender, persons with disabilities, mother feeding room, and first aid room, crew rest area, and time keeper room are available for passengers and staff.
At the Royapuram terminus, the name boards of buses heading to Kannagi Nagar and Semmancheri TNUHDB, Perumbakkam, Saidapet West, Kellattalai, Kilambakkam, Kelambakkam, Saligramam, Poonamallee, Red Hills, and Tambaram await inauguration. Speaking to DT Next, MTC managing director T Prabhu Shankar said, “After the works are completed at Island Ground, buses from Broadway will be operated from Royapuram and the Island Ground temporary bus terminus. The plan is to operate buses to different parts of the city from both the termini, but more details will be shared only after the works are completed to avoid confusion.”