Broadway bus terminus a test for drivers’ skills

While passengers and activists complain that officials turn a blind eye on one of the busiest bus terminus, officials, when contacted, assured that they would pay special attention to the grievances of commuters.

Broadway bus terminus, which receives MTC buses from all the main depots such as T Nagar, Tambaram, Poonamallee, Saidapet and Vadapalani, is on average witnesses two lakh footfalls every day. But it lacks even basic amenities including toilet and drinking water. The entire pavement is encroached by hawkers, making the waiting period miserable experience for commuters.

“There was a time when the terminus used to be clean and well-maintained. But now authorities don’t give it due attention though the number of commuters and buses has increased manifold. The entire area is choked. Though all roads in the city lead to Broadway, there is no proper approach and exit route,” says S Mohanram, an activist and president, Consumer Protection Council, Thirunindravur. 

He recalled the bus terminus so spacious, some decades ago, slowly paved the way for encroachment and construction of buildings, narrowing the area. 

Mohanram also noted that the transport officials operated long-distance buses from the terminus alongside MTC buses. “In those days, the terminus was well-maintained with proper toilets and drinking water supply. But things are opposite now,” he said. 

The commuters are at the receiving end of officials’ apathy. “The roof of the shelter is broken at many places and the number of benches for commuters to is too less compared the crowd. Since the road inside the terminus are patchy, passengers need to trudge to catch the buses,” said M Neelakandan, a staff of the private firm and a regular bus commuter. 

He also complained that there was no proper announcement system for the convenience of passengers. 

When contacted, L Nandakumar, Superintending Engineer (Roads, Bridges and Works), Greater Chennai Corporation, said that they were inspecting all the bus depots and taking up works. “Still we need to complete maintenance works in 500 bus stands in the city and Broadway MTC bus stand would be included in this,” he said.