Chennai News Tamil Nadu

Chaos And Confusion Leaves Commuters In Disarray At Koyambedu; Asked To Board Buses At Kilambakkam Bus Station

January 25, 2024
The Commune

The Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) at Kilambakkam has faced various controversies since its inception, involving issues such as traffic congestion, alleged corruption, the demolition of a wall, the overnight demolition of a Vinayakar temple etc. Commuters and residents have raised concerns about the terminus’s inadequate facilities and the challenges in accessing it from the Vandalur Railway Station. Now omnibus associations are protesting the state transport department, citing insufficient capacity at KCBT requesting additional parking space, and pleading for more time.

Despite their pleas, the Transport Corporation issued a stern warning instructing compliance, failing which legal action could be initiated against those failing to adhere the government order.

Amid this, travellers who had made reservations for omnibuses during the extended four-day weekend encompassing Thaipusam and Republic Day holidays from 25 January to 28 January 2024, faced a setback. Passengers were prohibited from boarding omnibuses at the Koyambedu bus station, leading to heightened tensions as the Transport Corporation denied permission for the operation of omnibuses from that location.

In Koyambedu, it was communicated that omnibuses heading to southern districts should not carry passengers after 5 PM. This was opposed by the omnibus owners, leading to the deployment of over 100 policemen around the omnibus complex. Arguments ensued between omnibus owners, drivers, and the police, resulting in the placing barricades to control the situation.

Passengers who had booked tickets for 7 PM were advised to go to Kilambakkam bus station, with entry prohibited at the omnibus bus Station. This confused passengers, leading to a chaotic situation. Families arriving at the omnibus bus stand at night were left without proper instructions and were redirected to government buses after a prolonged wait. Some omnibuses were also redirected to Kilambakkam, sparking frustration among enraged passengers.

Consequently, omnibuses from southern districts coming to Chennai were directed to stop at Vandalur and proceed to Kilambakkam instead of the Koyambedu bus station. This rerouting resulted in omnibuses dropping off passengers at Kilambakkam.

Passengers expressed significant disappointment as omnibuses initially chosen for their convenience in reaching Koyambedu bus station, were no longer operating to that destination. The lack of government buses to Koyambedu compounded the inconvenience, and the recent directive rerouting omnibuses away from Koyambedu  left passengers uncertain about travel options from both Kilambakkam and Koyambedu. Additionally, the challenge of transporting numerous belongings and luggage on government buses worsened the situation, and the alternative options of auto-rickshaws or taxi cars were expensive due to additional fees, as conveyed by passengers.

The inconvenience caused to passengers by the Tamil Nadu government was widely discussed on social media platforms.

During an interview with Thanthi TV, a passenger from the southern district expressed frustration, stating, “I paid ₹750 for the bus ticket, but they are asking for ₹500 for an auto.”

“Do not make us suffer inconvenience because of your ego,” said a passenger who has been waiting for an extended period.

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