CHENNAI: Passengers can heave a sigh of relief as amenities at bus termini in north Chennai are set for a major upgrade, with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) taking up the construction of a new bus terminus at Manali. Additionally, works at the Ennore and Madhavaram termini are nearing completion.
The GCC is likely to begin construction of the new Manali Bus Terminus on Nedunchezhian Street on February 7. The redevelopment project will be taken up at a cost of Rs 3.81 crore from the Corporation’s capital fund.
Residents of Manali said the project would address long-standing demands, as the existing terminus has been operational since 2014. Over the years, the prolonged use of inadequate facilities has caused considerable inconvenience to commuters, bus drivers and conductors.
A zonal officer of the Corporation, K Devendiran, said, “Temporary facilities such as ticket counters, toilets, a police booth and waiting rooms will be installed for the public. A specific space on the northern side has been earmarked for the temporary terminus. Construction of the new terminus will begin on February 7. All works are expected to be completed within six months.”
R Durai Raj, a resident of Periyathopu, averred that neighbourhoods such as Mathur MMDA, Periyathopu, Chinna Sekkadu and Shastri Nagar depended on the Manali Bus Terminus for connectivity to Guindy, High Court, Moolakadai and other parts of the city.
According to the GCC, the new terminal will be spread over 2,510 square metres, with a built-up area of 690 sqm. The ground floor will have an area of 251 sqm, including a feeding room, police booth, rooms for drivers and conductors, six bus bays, parking space for 48 two-wheelers, and toilets for men, women and persons with disabilities.
The first floor will house a waiting area, three shops and a toilet, while the second floor will have five shops with a corridor. The terminus will also include a 160 sqm paver area.
A conductor alleged that the room meant for drivers and conductors was currently occupied by an RO plant. “This forces us to wait in the general waiting hall, which has leaky walls and a swarm of mosquitoes,” the conductor lamented.
Pointing out that the upgrade would benefit more than one lakh people in the zone, Manali Zone chairman AV Arumugam added: “CCTV cameras will be installed to enhance public safety. The foundation stone was laid on January 13 by Municipal Administration Minister KN Nehru.”
Corporation Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran said the bus termini at Madhavaram and Ennore were nearing completion.