GCC to Tender New 36 Crore Bus Terminus Near Velachery MRTS Station

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is set to call for tenders soon to construct a new ₹36-crore bus terminus-cum-depot near the Velachery Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) railway station. The project aims to shift the existing roadside bus terminus from the congested Vijayanagar junction in Velachery to a dedicated 6.67-acre site, relieving severe traffic congestion in the area.

For several years, local residents have demanded that the bus terminus be relocated from the busy Vijayanagar junction. Currently, the bus terminus functions directly from the roadside, which causes major traffic bottlenecks, operational difficulties, and significant inconvenience to daily commuters.

The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) prepared the initial blueprint and a detailed project report (DPR) for shifting the terminus to the vacant land located south of the MRTS station. Citing a paucity of funds, the MTC sent a formal request letter to the GCC on May 15, asking the civic body to take over the project and utilize the 6.67 acres of allotted vacant land.

GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran confirmed the status of the ₹36-crore bus terminus-cum-depot project. He stated that a detailed financial feasibility report for the project is currently being readied. He added that the civic body is also exploring the viability of executing the development under a public-private partnership mode.

According to the MTC, the rapid urban growth and rising passenger demand in the Velachery locality make a permanent, well-equipped bus terminus-cum-depot essential for providing better public transport facilities and easing traffic.

The relocation is also expected to improve local connectivity. R. Umakanthan, a resident of Puzhithivakkam, stated that with the extension of the MRTS to St. Thomas Mount, the new terminus will offer commuters a vital multi-modal transport option to easily access the upcoming Metro station in Adambakkam.