CHENNAI: The incomplete Thiru Vi Ka bus terminus received a lukewarm response from the people.

Chennai: Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the newly constructed Thiru Vi Ka Bus Terminus via video conferencing on Wednesday. The 5.5-acre facility in Vengadanallur, along the Tiruvallur-Uthukottai Road, was opened for public use, even though work remains incomplete. Built at a cost of ₹36 crore, the terminus will operate both suburban and city buses. However, officials stated that operations from the old terminus would continue until March 30, after which a complete shift would be made. The people of Tiruvallur, who have long awaited a modern bus facility, expressed little enthusiasm at the inauguration, citing repeated delays in the project’s completion. Construction began in July 2023 with a target deadline of 18 months, but the schedule was extended twice. Officials admitted that only about 90% of the work was complete on the day of the inauguration. E. Manavalan, a longtime resident of Punnapakkam village near Tiruvallur, said the current terminus on Rajaji Salai had been operating in the heart of the city for nearly 40 years, close to the Veera Raghava Perumal Temple, Theradi, and the city’s vegetable market.

He said, “This area is also a hub of textile and other commercial activities, attracting large crowds daily. Shifting the terminus without providing another bus stop near Theradi will cause inconvenience to devotees visiting the temple, especially on Amavasya days.” While shopkeepers near the old terminus were aware of the change, many regular commuters said they had not received complete information about the new facility in Vengadanallur. L. Rajini, a commuter, said she was unaware of the inauguration. He added, “If such major changes are being made, officials should give proper public notice to passengers.” Former Milk and Dairy Development Minister B.V. Ramana questioned the claim that the project was nearing completion. He added, “Several works, including flooring, septic tanks, and compound walls, remain. The government hastened the inauguration to avoid the Model Code of Conduct being implemented.” “The Tiruvallur Collector has assured the public that all buses will operate from the new terminus by March 30th, but completing the remaining work and shifting operations in such a short time will be difficult.” Tiruvallur Municipality officials admitted that some work remains.
An official said, “About 85% of the project is complete, and the remaining work will be finished soon. By the end of the month, all buses operating in the city and elsewhere will operate from the new terminus, which will be developed as an eco-friendly facility.” The official added that there were plans to convert the old terminus site into a commercial complex to address the city’s lack of commercial infrastructure. The new terminus can accommodate 56 buses at a time and includes 101 shops, five toilet blocks, including one for transgender people, parking facilities for 500 two-wheelers and 100 cars, a police booth, and a fire station. Officials also said they plan to build a dedicated bus stop near the Flower Bazaar Market on the Chennai-Tiruttani Highway for devotees visiting the Veera Raghava Perumal Temple. Meanwhile, an official from the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation’s Villupuram Division depot in Tiruvallur said, “Two bus services connecting Tiruvallur Railway Station and Theradi have already been diverted to the new terminus. Most buses arriving at the new location are running almost empty as many passengers are still unaware of the change.”