Seven bus depots await facelift to ease congestion

MTC has 32 depots that house 3,200 buses, with big depots like Tambaram and Anna Nagar (West) providing shelter to over 150 buses. However, there are complaints that many of these depots lack basic amenities, with damaged roofs and patchy approach roads, causing hardship to the commuters and bus drivers. The officials added that existing 32 depots have the capacity to accommodate only 2,500 buses. 

“Taking stock of poor infrastructure of bus depots, we have identified seven depots – Tambaram, Broadway, Tiruvanmiyur, T Nagar, Adyar, Vallalar Nagar and Vadapalani to undertake renovation works and improvise the amenities. We have already communicated to the transport department regarding this and the work wills start in April,” said an MTC official, seeking anonymity. 

“We have sent Rs five crore as the estimation for the works, which is expected to be released in a phased manner,” the official added. 

K Natarajan, Treasurer of Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), said, “Many of the depots are inundated during heavy rains in the city, while few depots do not have seats for commuters inside. These depots were constructed several decades ago when there were hardly 1500 buses plying in the city. However, things have changed now, as number of passengers and buses have steadily increased.” 

Taking the increasing passengers and buses into account, the officials should construct 10 more depots in the city to decongest the crowd, he urged. 

Meanwhile experts welcomed the move. Daniel Robinson, programme manager, Chennai City Connect, said “Any bus depot with good infrastructure will attract passengers and it will pave the way for good patronage and revenue. Since MTC buses play a key role in terms of public transportation in the city, refurbishing the depots with modern amenities are imperative.” 

A senior MTC official said, “We expect funds to be allocated by March end, after which renovation works on proposed bus depots will pick up steam."