CHENNAI: Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated the newly reconstructed Ambattur Industrial Estate bus terminus on Monday, built for Rs 11.81 crore under the Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam. Udhayanidhi also flagged off 51 new buses worth Rs 30 crore for the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC).

"The former Chief Minister, CN Annadurai, inaugurated the Ambattur Bus Stand on April 10, 1967. To modernise the facility, Chief Minister MK Stalin laid the foundation stone on March 14, 2024, for its reconstruction under the Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam," a government release said.

Built on 1.63 acres, the new terminus includes a two-storey commercial block, 11 shops, offices, a rest area for senior citizens, a feeding room, ticket counters, restrooms, rest facilities for drivers and conductors, ATMs, and purified drinking water units. The terminus has three platforms for 20 buses, dedicated bus bays, and waiting areas.

From the Ambattur depot, 139 buses operate on 53 routes, covering 2,026 daily trips. Including buses passing through the terminus, a total of 287 buses operate across 81 routes with 3,126 trips every day.

At the event, the Deputy Chief Minister also launched 16 new low-floor buses and 35 new women-exclusive buses under the Vidiyal Payanam scheme.