Chengalpattu's ₹131 Crore Suburban Bus Terminus Nears Completion; Opening Likely in July

Chengalpattu`s Rs 131-crore suburban bus terminus, built with modern amenities to ease the town`s long-standing traffic congestion, is nearing completion. However, officials have indicated that its inauguration may be delayed by a few days beyond the previously expected launch date of June 28.

During an inspection of the project, Housing and Urban Development Minister Rajkumar, accompanied by senior officials, directed authorities to expedite the remaining finishing works so the facility can be opened for public use at the earliest.

Modern Transit Hub with Comprehensive Facilities

Constructed at a cost of Rs 131 crore in Venpakkam village under Alapakkam Panchayat, on the outskirts of Chengalpattu, the new bus terminus covers 9.95 acres with a built-up area of 11,220 square metres. The project has been developed by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA).

The terminus is designed to accommodate around 50 buses simultaneously and offers a wide range of passenger-friendly facilities, including 33 commercial shops, a budget restaurant, spacious waiting areas, rest rooms for commuters and transport staff, a bus maintenance centre, fuel station, dedicated power substation, sewage treatment plant, purified drinking water facilities, CCTV surveillance, public announcement systems, fire-safety equipment, and breastfeeding rooms for mothers.

Parking space has also been provided for 55 cars and 325 two-wheelers.

Opening May Be Postponed Until July

Although construction was largely completed in March, the inauguration was reportedly postponed following the announcement of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Officials had earlier planned to inaugurate the terminus on June 28. However, during the minister`s inspection, some finishing works were found to be pending. Sources indicated that the opening could now take place in July, once all remaining work has been completed.

Following the review, Minister Rajkumar instructed officials to complete the pending works on priority and make the terminus operational as soon as possible.

Expected to Ease Decades-Old Traffic Congestion

Chengalpattu currently has both its old and new bus stands, along with a State Transport Corporation workshop, located in the heart of the town. This has resulted in severe traffic congestion for many years, prompting residents to demand a fully equipped bus terminus outside the town limits.

Once operational, the new suburban bus terminus is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion that has affected Chengalpattu for nearly five decades.

Authorities also plan to operate direct bus services from the new terminus to several dedestinations, including Tirupati, Bengaluru, Puducherry, Chittoor, Vellore, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Villupuram, Tindivanam, Mamallapuram, Kalpakkam, Tambaram, Kilambakkam, and various parts of Chennai.

Residents have expressed hope that the remaining works will be completed quickly and that the long-awaited transport hub will be opened to the public without any further delay.