Passengers dwindle as anti-socials take over Sanatorium bus terminus

Passengers complain that the terminus is poorly lit in the nights and anti-social elements have taken up space as many of the shops remain closed. Official sources said the terminus, on 4.25 acres along the Grand Southern Trunk Road, was constructed in April 2013. It has 18 bus bays and 30 shops. Space had been allotted for a food court as well. 

Commuters say the main bus stand is poorly lit and it inconveniences them to a great extent. Most of the fused bulbs have not been replaced. They said that more than half of the shops have yet to start functioning. “Since many shops are closed, anti-social elements have taken up the space to consume alcohol in public,” said A Jaya, a commuter from Tambaram. 

From the terminus, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation operates buses to Kancheepuram, Arni, Chittoor and Bengaluru. Besides, a sizeable number of Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses ply to Padappai, Sriperumbudur, Pondhur, Walajabad etc. Yet, the officials have been lagging in maintaining the facility. 

Karthik, who runs a convenience store at the terminus, says that since the place is not maintained properly, there has been a decrease in the number of passengers. “My business has come down due to the reduced crowd. Other shops have already closed down given the dip in business,” he said. 

When contacted, Municipal Engineer of Tambaram municipality TV Ravichandran said he would look into the issue. “We will take all steps to maintain the terminus and restore lights and other facilities soon,” he said.