Catching a bus in the middle of the road with vehicles moving speedily towards us is really tough!!
Even after 3 long years, just 50% of the work is only completed regarding constructing a bus terminus in Thirumazhisai in Chennai. It is really shocking to note that the passengers are now forced to board west bound buses outside the congested bus stand at Poonamallee amidst the speeding traffic.
The reasons cited for the delay in the bus terminus construction are building a second floor to the terminal building, installing a/c units and new toilet blocks for the delay etc. Truth is that this bus terminus was supposed to be open to the public in 2021 itself. Information gathered is that the deadline has been extended up to January 2024 now.
A transport activist spoke about how completing 50% of work in the next 3 months was very difficult. He added that false hopes must not be given and sticking to the realistic deadline was important. In the last 2 years, the TN govt has extended the date atleast 4 times.
During the festival seasons and on the weekends, the passengers are forced to board buses from the Poonamallee bus stand that doesn`t have the basic amenities. Heavy congestion at Poonamallee due to metro train works is another important issue for those who board buses from here. The passengers would have to wait on the highway itself as the buses have stopped entering the bus stand here.
It was pointed out by a resident from Poonamallee that amidst many fast moving vehicles passengers risking their lives by boarding the buses stopping in the middle of the roads was a common sight.