Commuters face inconvenience at temporary Avadi bus terminus

In the wake of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) taking over the Avadi bus terminus for redevelopment, hundreds of commuters are facing severe hardships in the temporary bus terminus which has minimum basic amenities. 

With heavy rains from the northeast monsoon lashing the city and suburbs, the commuters find it inconvenient to even access the bus terminus because of the road condition and water stagnation. 

J. Jayakumar, a senior citizen and a resident of Avadi, said that even before the rains commuters were facing difficulties due to lack of adequate commuter shelters, with the rains it has become a bigger challenge, especially for women commuters and senior citizens due to lack of lighting at night . 

The commuters also complained about motorists facing traffic hardships on the arterial CTH Road as buses entering and exiting the bus terminus cause traffic snarl due to the narrow passageway, with vehicles stranded on both sides of the road. 

Social activist T. Sadagopan said the renovation work would take a minimum of two years and in this situation, it would be better if the buses could be shifted to Thiruninravur and Pattabhiram bus termini, which have all facilities. Also, the senior citizens passes could be issued from the Pattabhiram bus terminus as the Avadi bus terminus is not suitable for senior citizens. 

A senior official of the CMDA said the modernisation of the bus terminus had been long overdue and has commenced now. He said the three-storeyed modern bus terminus building would be constructed at a cost of ₹ 36.06 crore with a built-up area of 65,000 sq ft with all modern amenities.