Tiruvallur New Bus Terminus Opens to Public Five Months After Inauguration

The newly constructed Thiru Vi Ka Bus Terminus in Tiruvallur was opened to the public on Monday, five months after its formal inauguration. However, the shift from the old bus terminus led to confusion among passengers, with several commuters unaware that bus services had been relocated.

Residents welcomed the opening of the new Tiruvallur bus terminus, saying it brought an end to their long wait for improved public transport infrastructure. At the same time, the relocation resulted in traffic congestion on Jawaharlal Nehru Road in Tiruvallur.

Residents have been waiting for nearly 30 years for a new bus terminus at the district headquarters. Although the new facility has now become operational, some concerns remain regarding connectivity between Theradi and the new terminus.

Residents Seek Better Connectivity and Facilities

P Raj Kumar, a long-time Tiruvallur resident, said the old bus terminus had limited space and could not accommodate even 10 buses at a time. He welcomed the larger new facility but called for better passenger amenities, particularly drinking water facilities and improved arrangements in the men`s toilets.

He also suggested operating free mini-bus services between Theradi and the new bus terminus, as the new facility is located away from the main town.

According to him, only two buses currently operate between the new Tiruvallur bus terminus and the railway station. He suggested increasing the number of services to benefit thousands of students and office-goers travelling to the town every day.

He also called for introducing bus services connecting Tiruvallur with nearby districts.

Collector Rules Out Free Bus Service

Speaking to DT Next, Tiruvallur District Collector TS Kavitha said free bus services could not be operated between Theradi and the new terminus.

However, she said regular bus services could be introduced after discussions with Transport Department officials. She also assured residents that concerns regarding drinking water supply and other basic facilities would be communicated to the municipality for necessary action.

Passengers Unaware of Bus Terminus Shift

Some passengers said they were not adequately informed about the relocation of bus services from the old terminus.

S Barnabas, a resident of Muruganchery, said he visits Tiruvallur about once a month and was unaware that buses had been shifted to the new terminus.

After completing his work at the bazaar, he went to the old bus terminus to catch a bus to Poonamallee but found the facility deserted. He eventually had to take an auto to the new terminus, with the driver reportedly asking for ₹100.

Bus Fare Changes for Some Routes

A conductor operating on the Tiruvallur–Sriperumbudur route said passengers previously paid ₹31 to reach Sriperumbudur bus terminunus.

With two additional stages added following the relocation, the fare to the new terminus has increased to ₹33.

However, some passengers said the additional ₹2 was manageable, particularly for those travelling to the Tiruvallur Collector`s Office. Previously, passengers had to take another bus or spend around ₹20 to reach the office from the old terminus.

New Tiruvallur Bus Terminus Facilities

The Thamizh Thendral Thiru Vi Ka Bus Terminus was constructed at a cost of ₹35 crore on 5.5 acres along Uthukottai Road near Vengadanallur.

The new Tiruvallur bus terminus can accommodate 56 buses at the same time and includes:

- 101 shops
- Modern toilet facilities
- Parking for 500 two-wheelers
- Parking for 100 cars
- Expanded space for bus operations

The opening of the new terminus is expected to improve bus operations and passenger facilities in Tiruvallur. However, residents have called for better connectivity, clear communication about route changes and additional passenger amenities.

Meanwhile, the Tiruvallur Municipality is exploring various options to make productive use of the old bus terminus site for public benefit.