The Kilambakkam Bus Terminus (KCBT) is touted to be the beacon of modern transportation infrastructure, conceived during the AIADMK regime in February 2019 and officially inaugurated on 30 December 2023 by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Tamil Nadu government. However, this ambitious project has not been without its share of controversies, stirring debates and raising concerns among the public.
The KCBT stands tall as a state-of-the-art facility, designed to accommodate a staggering 1.5 lakh passengers daily. Its expansive layout can house almost 800 omnibuses and 1000 government buses, reflecting a commitment to meeting the growing demands of the city’s public transportation system.
Despite its impressive features, the KCBT has not been immune to operational challenges and logistical hurdles. The facility’s well-lit interiors have garnered attention, but the spotlight also falls on the confusion and difficulties faced by passengers during its initial days of operation.
The primary objective behind the construction of KCBT was to alleviate traffic congestion in Perungalathur, Vandalur, and other parts of the city. However, there are growing apprehensions that poor planning may have led to a situation where the terminus itself becomes a source of traffic woes.
However, residents of Kilambakkam expressed their discontent through a protest. They raised concerns about the inconvenience caused by government buses using the service road, preventing them from utilizing it. The presence of a private school on the service route added to their worries, as parents feared a higher risk of accidents due to heavy traffic during morning and evening hours.
VIDEO | Kilambakkam residents protest outside the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminal in #Chennai against the buses taking the service road, where school students walk, before reaching the National Highway. pic.twitter.com/x2cNAeWQe0
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 3, 2024
Protestors also specifically pointed out alleged restrictions on school buses, claiming that traffic police redirected them, worsening the inconvenience for students and parents. This symbolic protest aimed to bring attention to the community’s issues and express dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. Guduvancheri police intervened in response to the escalating unrest, engaging in discussions with the protestors. Despite police efforts, the public stood firm in their demand for rerouting buses from the Kilambakkam bus stand through the GST road to alleviate congestion and improve the situation for residents.
The protest underscores a discontent of the local community and residents emphasize the necessity for a complete solution that takes into account the challenges faced by those living near the KCBT restoring harmony and ensuring smooth traffic flow.
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