Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin inaugurated the new "Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus" located at Kilambakkam, near Vandalur, Chennai, constructed at a cost of Rs. 400 Crores today.
In 2018, when the AIADMK was in power, it was decided to construct a new bus terminus at Kilambakkam, near Vandalur, for Rs. 400 Crores to alleviate acute traffic congestion in Chennai Metro City and reduce the heavy traffic at the existing Koyambedu Mofussil Bus Terminus.
This new bus terminus, covering an area of 86 acres, was constructed on behalf of the Chennai Metro Development Authority (CMDA). Construction continued even after a change of government, with the DMK coming into power. However, as completion neared, heavy rains caused significant stagnation of rainwater at the construction site.
In response, a new plan was implemented by the Chennai Metro Development Authority (CMDA) to drain the stagnant rainwater, and the paving of entrance roads to the bus terminus commenced. Following the completion of these activities, a trial run was recently conducted, preparing the site for inauguration.
Chief Minister M K Stalin inaugurated the `Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus` at 11:00 AM on Saturday, 30th December. During the inauguration, he also unveiled the statue of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi and paid his respects.
The new construction is equipped with platforms and roofs, facilitating the simultaneous operation of 130 government buses and 85 private transport buses. Roofed platforms have been provided for 3,500 buses operating from Chennai Metro City and its suburban areas, covering an area of 6.40 lakh sq. ft. with a ground floor and a first floor.
The bus terminus includes two basements capable of parking 340 cars and 2,800 two-wheelers. Additionally, the facility features shops, restaurants, fast-food outlets, reservation counters for booking, a medical center, and a police station.
Earlier announcements had indicated that the bus terminus was set to commence operations before Pongal, but it`s worth noting that the inauguration has taken place well before the New Year itself.