Anti-socials a cause of worry at Foreshore Estate terminus

Among the bus termini crying for attention, the one at Foreshore Estate is an exception -- presenting neat and clean structure with a fresh coat of paint. While the renovated terminus offers better amenities for the passengers, it is often misused by the anti-social elements, who occupy the chairs at the terminus, much to the discomfort of commuters.

With the shelter providing cover from the scorching sun and rain, the anti-social elements in the area use the terminus for all sorts of activities, including consuming alcohol. “Earlier, the terminus used to be poorly lit during the night and the anti-social elements had taken up the space to consume alcohol and playing cards. Working women and girl students would be wary of entering the bus terminus when it becomes dark. Now, after the renovation, the terminus is well lit but the anti-social elements continue to gather there,” complained S Yamuna, a third-year student of Ethiraj College for Women.

The terminus was renovated at a cost of Rs 50 lakh from the funds allocated under MLA Local Area Development by Mylapore legislator and former DGP R Natraj. As part of the renovation work, a new compound wall was built around the terminus and also lighting facilities were improved.

“The terminus remained open on all sides with a broken compound wall. Now, one can enter and exit only through the gate,” said K Sadagopan, a private company employee. He pointed out that broken cement chairs were replaced with new ones. “Earlier, garbage used to be strewn all over the terminus. Nowit remains garbage-free,” he said.

The commuters, however, want the MTC to introduce bus services from the terminus to Guindy, Tambaram and Tiruvanmiyur.

At present, 78 buses ply on six routes to Tondiarpet, Vadapalani, Koyambedu, Villivakkam, Saligramam and Tollgate. Routes with frequent bus services are 12B (Foreshore Estate-Vadapalani), 32A (Foreshore Estate–Toll Gate), and 27D (Foreshore Estate–Villivakkam) ply from the terminus.

“All the buses from the terminus go to northern or western parts of the city. Many people are working in companies along OMR, Tiruvanmiyur, Guindy and Tambaram. But there is no bus connectivity to south Chennai, which has become a hub of service industries,” said John Joseph, who works at an IT company in Siruseri.

An MTC official at the terminus said that the decision to introduce new routes would be taken by the senior management based on the requirement. On the terminus used by the anti-social elements, the official said that they chase away the persons who were occupying the chairs whenever the passengers complained.