South-Bound Travel Relief: Madras High Court Allows Private Buses to Pick Up Passengers at Koyambedu
Posted on: 10/Feb/2024 9:38:57 AM
In an interim decision, the Madras High Court granted permission for private bus operators serving southern districts to board passengers from their garages near Koyambedu, en route to Kilambakkam bus terminus. YBM Travels and Vetri Travels challenged the Transport Commissioner`s order restricting private buses beyond Kilambakkam. Justice RN Manjula specified that southbound buses could pick up passengers from Porur or Surapet toll plazas via the inner ring road to reach Kilambakkam. The court emphasized that buses must use Kilambakkam for boarding and de-boarding. Online reservation sites should only designate Porur and Surapet as pickup points. The final hearing is scheduled for April 15.
The Advocate General (AG) outlined the approved route, allowing pickup at Porur toll plaza and Surapet toll plaza. Private buses can use these points for passengers from northern Chennai. The AG dismissed the option of the GST Road due to perpetual traffic congestion. The judge questioned the possibility of a pickup point near Koyambedu, but the AG argued that it would defeat the purpose of de-congesting Kilambakkam. The AG also revealed a five-acre exclusive garage for private buses in Mudichur, complete with facilities, set to open on March 31, easing potential inconveniences for operators.
