CHENNAI: In a bid to alleviate congestion in Koyambedu and its vicinity, the transport department declared on Monday a strategic move redirecting all mofussil bus services operated by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) toward Tiruchy, Salem, Tiruvannamalai, and other delta and northern regions. Commencing from Tuesday, these services will now emanate from the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) in Kilambakkam and the Madhavaram Bus Terminus (MMBT).
Presently, SETC and omnibuses serving the central and southern districts find their origin at KCBT. Out of the 870 bus services previously housed at Koyambedu’s Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT), 710 have been relocated to KCBT, with the remaining 160 services to operate from MMBT.
Encompassing 13 destinations, such as Tiruchy, Salem, Virudhachalam, Kallakurichi, Kumbakonam, Chidambaram, Neyveli, Puducherry, and Cuddalore (via Tindivanam), Tiruvannamalai (via Gingee), Polur, and Vandavasi, these services aim to streamline the transportation network.
Transport Minister SS Sivasankar outlined adjustments for TNSTC buses of the Villupuram corporation, noting that their return trips to Chennai will now conclude at Tambaram, departing from KCBT for added commuter convenience. However, buses headed towards Puducherry and Cuddalore via ECR will continue their operations from CMBT. Similarly, services bound for Vellore, Hosur, Ambur, and Tirupattur via Poonamallee will persist in departing from CMBT.
As of now, Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) manages 298 buses from KCBT, facilitating a total of 1,690 trips daily. Moreover, an additional 202 buses traverse through the terminus, contributing to 2,386 more trips. With a cumulative of 4,077 trips each day, the KCBT accommodates the transit needs of a considerable number of commuters.
To enhance long-distance travel options, new services from KCBT to Tambaram and Kilambakkam have been introduced. Authorities have assured commuters of ample bus services connecting KCBT and MMBT to facilitate seamless travel. The allocation of services will be subject to adjustments based on commuter demand. It’s noteworthy that the shift of omnibuses to KCBT on January 26 had met with resistance from a section of operators.
