Choked by encroachments, Tamil Nadu’s Tambaram bus terminus set for Rs 7 crore overhaul

Tambaram City Municipal Corporation has earmarked Rs 7 crore to modernise and decongest the bus terminus ahead of the monsoon, aiming to address long-pending civic and traffic issues that have plagued commuters for years.

More than 500 bus trips originate from Tambaram daily, connecting suburbs like Padappai, Maraimalai Nagar and Sriperumbudur, besides core city areas such as Anna Nagar, serving over 10,000 commuters.

Unauthorised vendors occupy large portions of the premises, restricting pedestrian movement and worsening congestion inside the terminus despite the heavy daily footfall.

Residents say the terminus lacks basic amenities, with just one poorly maintained paid public toilet near the market and buses parked haphazardly, blocking traffic flow.

Corporation commissioner S Balachander said tenders have been floated and restoration work will begin in April, with a target to complete the upgrade before the monsoon sets in.

The revamp will include a new roof, improved lighting and CCTV cameras. Only registered stalls will be allowed inside, and action will be taken against unauthorised vendors.

Activists say many stretches lack bus shelters, forcing commuters to wait in the sun. They urged the corporation to generate revenue through ads on shelters, medians and streetlights.