The Transport Department in Tamil Nadu is currently grappling with challenges on multiple fronts, facing criticism from its own TNSTC employees who are pressing for unresolved demands such as pensions and the release of dearness allowance. On another front, following the construction of the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT), there is an ongoing dispute among omni bus owners regarding parking facilities and the determination of pickup and drop-off locations. Simultaneously, commuters accessing the bus stand are expressing their frustration.
In this complex situation, the Stalin-led DMK government of Tamil Nadu issued a directive to omnibus owners, insisting that they adhere to picking up and dropping off passengers at only three designated locations.
The Transport Commissioner has issued a warning specifying that omnibuses traveling from Chennai to southern districts are permitted to pick up and drop off passengers exclusively at Porur toll plaza, Surapattu toll plaza, and Kilambakkam bus terminal.
The Kilambakkam bus stand was inaugurated on 30 December 2023. However, omni bus owners expressed their reluctance to operate from the new terminal, citing inadequate facilities. Despite unsuccessful negotiations with the government administration, the omni bus owners sought legal recourse by filing a case in the High Court on behalf of the Private Omni Bus Owners Association.
Claiming insufficient parking facilities at Kilambakkam, the bus owners requested permission to pick up and drop passengers within the city for passenger convenience. While asserting that only omnibuses would operate from Koyambedu bus stand, the Madras High Court granted their request and instructed them to pick up and drop passengers at designated points around Koyambedu until further notice on the 9th of the month. Furthermore, Justice RN Manjula postponed the hearing to 15 April 2024, stipulating that passengers should be picked up and alighted exclusively at Porur toll plaza, Surapattu toll plaza, and Kilambakkam bus terminal. The court also emphasized that omnibuses traveling to southern districts should not ply without heading to Kilambakkam bus stand.
The owners of omnibuses sought relief from the Supreme Court, but their appeal was dismissed, challenging the directive issued by the Madras High Court. The order mandates that all southbound Omni buses are prohibited from picking up and dropping off passengers at any location other than the designated ones.
In this backdrop, the Transport Commissioner issued a stern warning, stating, “Owners of omnibuses traveling from Chennai to southern districts must strictly adhere to picking up and dropping passengers only at Porur, Surappattu, and Kilambakkam bus stations. This directive is in line with the Supreme Court verdict. Any violation will result in strict action against Omni buses, including the filing of a contempt of court case. Additionally, these three locations should not be misrepresented in ticket booking software and applications such as Red Bus, Abhi Bus, etc., to avoid confusion among the public. Severe consequences will be imposed on Omni buses found violating this instruction. Omni bus owners themselves will be held fully responsible for any inconvenience caused to the public due to their actions in violation of this directive,” he cautioned.
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