CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday (January 29) laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new multi-modal transport bus terminus and Kuralagam complex at Broadway in Chennai, at an estimated cost of Rs 822.70 crore.
The project will develop a multi-purpose integrated transport bus terminus and building complex with all infrastructure facilities at the Broadway bus stand, as announced by the government. This follows the earlier proposal under the Chennai City Municipal Corporation and Public Works plans to build the facility.
The original Broadway bus station was built between 1960 and 1964 and initially served long-distance buses. Over time, due to congestion and urban growth, long-distance buses were moved to Coimbatore Road in November 2002, and the Broadway station was repurposed for city bus services.
Under the new plan, the multi-modal facility will integrate key transport hubs including the High Court Metro station, Kuralagam, and MRTS/suburban rail stations.
The complex includes a 9-level Multi-Modal Facility Complex (MMFC) and a 10-level Kuralagam building.
The facility will have 73 bus bays, passenger halls, retail spaces, office areas, and parking for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, and is designed to avoid disruptions between bus operations and passengers.
The MMFC will be built on a 26,240 sq metre site with a total built-up area of 1,36,580 sq metres, consisting of three main structural sections for passenger, bus, parking, retail and office use.
The design also includes modern amenities such as electrical systems, ventilation, cooling equipment, fire safety features, elevators, moving walkways, sewage treatment plant, integrated building management system (IBMS), restrooms and external walkways.
Senior officials including Municipal Administration Minister KN Nehru, Forest and Environment Minister RS Rajakannappan, representatives of local bodies and government officials attended the event where Stalin laid the foundation stone.