Keerapakkam Residents Demand More MTC Buses from Kilambakkam Terminus

Residents of Keerapakkam and neighbouring villages have urged the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) to operate additional buses from the Kilambakkam bus terminus to Kandigai via Keerapakkam, pointing out the lack of adequate public transport options in the area.

In a formal petition submitted to the MTC managing director, Keerapakkam panchayat councillor D. Sasikala Dhanasekaran highlighted that more than 15,000 people across roughly 3,020 families reside in Keerapakkam, Murugamangalam, and Arungal villages.

The petition noted that the wider region surrounding Keerapakkam—which includes panchayats such as Nallambakkam, Kumizhi, Karanaipuduchery, and Urapakkam—has a combined population exceeding one lakh. These localities have witnessed rapid development following the commissioning of the Kilambakkam bus terminus, leading to a rise in commuter traffic.

According to the councillor, the insufficiency of regular public bus services has severely affected daily commuters, including school and college students, daily-wage workers, pregnant women, senior citizens, and patients. Many have been forced to rely on private vehicles and two-wheelers for their everyday travel needs.

To resolve the transport deficit, the petition requested the MTC to introduce five buses, including two low-floor vehicles, connecting the Kilambakkam terminus to Kandigai. The proposed route covers Urapakkam, Karanaipuduchery, Kattur, Arungal, Keerapakkam Housing Board, and Murugamangalam Housing Board.

Responding to the demand, a senior MTC official stated that two buses are currently operated through Keerapakkam on the Kilambakkam to Kandigai route—one in the morning and one in the evening—primarily serving students. In addition, five buses currently operate from Tambaram West through Keerapakkam to Kandigai.

The official noted that buses from Kilambakkam terminus earn around Rs 60 per kilometre, compared to Rs 90 to Rs 102 per kilometre earned on routes operating from Tambaram East. However, the transport corporation confirmed that it will study the feasibility of running additional buses through the Keerapakkam sector.