Chromepet terminus gets a facelift – The Hindu

Renovation of the Chromepet bus terminus on GST Road is under way, with the Tambaram Corporation taking up replacement of the ageing roof sheets and related works. While commuters welcome the long-pending facelift, some residents and activists have questioned whether the large terminus is necessary on a busy arterial road.

The bus terminus, located in Ward 28, serves as a key transit point for Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses operating between the southern suburbs and various parts of Greater Chennai. Officials said the structure, built nearly 18 years ago using MPLAD funds of former Union Minister and MP T.R. Baalu, had deteriorated over time.

An allocation of ₹25 lakh has been made for the renovation. Officials said the damaged roof sheets were being completely replaced to improve commuter safety and comfort.

Demand for rationalisation

Despite the improvements, some residents have raised concerns about the utilisation of space. Senior social activist V. Santhanam said the civic body could consider converting the terminus into a simpler bus shelter.

“There are no cut services originating from Chromepet. Maintaining such a large structure is costly and it occupies a substantial portion of the road,” he said. A cantilevered bus shelter, similar to the one on the eastern side towards Tambaram, would suffice, he added.

Commuters also pointed to poor bus regulation within the terminus. Although bays have been earmarked for different destinations, buses often halt near the entrance instead of moving to designated spots.

“If the first bus stops at the entrance, others queue up behind it, forcing us to run to board,” said Kausalya, a regular commuter. Srinivasan, another commuter, said buses should halt strictly at their marked bays to avoid confusion and congestion.

Mr. Santhanam said bus pile-ups sometimes extend up to the traffic signal near the police booth. With vehicles taking U-turns near the Radha Nagar subway, traffic movement becomes further constrained, he noted. Rationalising the structure could free up space for smoother vehicular flow, he added.

Corporation’s response

Tambaram Corporation Commissioner S. Balachandran said a coordination meeting with officials of the MTC and TNSTC would be convened to improve regulation and ensure commuter-friendly operations.

He also cited the “Tambaram model” of bus terminus redevelopment, where excess pavements were removed to optimise space. A similar approach could be examined for Chromepet, he said.