Ever since the inauguration, the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) at Kilambakkam has been in the centre of controversies. Issues such as traffic congestion, hasty modifications, issues of alleged corruption, and destruction of a Vinayakar temple have all irked the commuters and long-time residents in the area. Passengers travelling to the south of Tamil Nadu complain of fewer amenities at the terminus and say it is difficult to reach the terminus from the nearby Vandalur Railway Station.
In a recent development, the omnibus associations are up in arms against the state transport department. The president of the omnibus owners’ association said, ‘On a typical day, approximately 1,000 buses are in operation, yet the KCBT currently has capacity for only 144 buses. Despite the government’s commitment to construct a bus stand for omni buses on a five-acre plot in Mudichur, the project remains unfinished, with an anticipated completion time of six additional months.’ He also added, ‘Despite repeatedly bringing up this matter in various meetings with government officials, no solution was offered. Unexpectedly, on January 22, a statement was released stating that, starting from January 24, omni buses would no longer be permitted to operate. This abrupt decision has created confusion among passengers who had made reservations 30 to 90 days in advance. We urge the Chief Minister and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority to intervene. The Transport department should empathize with the passengers’ predicament and work towards a suitable resolution.’
On the state transport side, Chennai Metropolitan Department Authority Minster PK Sekar Babu said a government cannot operate based on the desires or preferences of the Omni Bus Owners Association. He further added, “Before the commencement of the terminus at Kilambakkam, dialogues took place between the government and the omnibus associations. The associations initially consented to initiate bus operations gradually from December 30, 2023 (the inauguration day) and subsequently requested a later start date from January 24. However, their current stance asserts that they are unprepared to commence operations from Kilambakkam.”
As a result of the loggerhead, a statement has been issued from the transport department which reads, “If any violation is noticed, severe action will be taken against the operator as per provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act and rules.” Furthermore, the Tamil Nadu Transport department announced on Wednesday (24 January 2024) that omni buses heading south will be prohibited from commencing their journeys at the Koyambedu bus terminus and entering Chennai. Instead, they are required to initiate their journeys from the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) located in Kilambakkam, Chengalpattu district in Tamil Nadu.
Transport Commissioner A Shanmuga Sundaram had clarified on Tuesday (23 January 2024) that there is parking space for 250 private omni buses at the KCBT and associated facilities such as booking counters and dormitory had been created for the crew members.
To remedy the situation surrounding the woes of passengers and omnibus associations, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority held a meeting to discuss these issues, chaired by the state Transport Minister SS Sivasankar. However, the decisions arrived at the meeting have not been divulged.
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