The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority’s (CMDA) plan to construct a pedestrian overpass linking the Kilambakkam bus terminus with a new railway station has hit a roadblock due to a hefty compensation demand from the landowner. The owner is reportedly seeking ₹350 crore for about 1.45 acres of land—an amount that has left officials stunned, especially since the market value is estimated at only ₹60 crore and the total cost of the skywalk project is ₹74 crore.

Background: Kilambakkam Bus Terminus & Skywalk

As part of efforts to ease traffic congestion in Chennai, a new bus terminus was built on 40 acres in Kilambakkam near Vandalur, with an investment of ₹400 crore. The facility became operational on 30 December 2023. However, the lack of a direct metro connection has caused inconvenience for passengers, especially those traveling to and from the city.

To address this, a railway station is under construction between Oorapakkam and Vandalur, aimed at integrating suburban rail services with the terminus. To ensure seamless connectivity, CMDA proposed a 1,310-meter pedestrian overpass across GST Road at a projected cost of ₹74 crore. The foundation stone was laid in March 2023.

Legal Dispute Over Land Acquisition

The Chengalpattu District Administration had earlier issued a notification to acquire the required land for the project. However, the landowner challenged the acquisition in the Madras High Court, arguing that legal procedures had not been properly followed. The court agreed and quashed the initial order, directing the district administration to issue a fresh notification in compliance with the law.

Amid this ongoing process, the landowner has now demanded ₹350 crore in compensation, triggering concerns among CMDA and district officials over the viability of the project. Authorities are particularly alarmed, given the wide gap between the demand and the actual market value of the land.

Officials Grapple With Land Dispute Linked To DMK MP S. Jagathrakshakan

The land in question belongs to Premier Leather Corporation, owned by DMK Member of Parliament S. Jagathrakshakan and his family. The previous court ruling noted procedural lapses in the acquisition process, including failure to follow the proper notification route via the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette and the improper delegation of powers under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, 2013.

Justice N. Anand Venkatesh observed that the same official—Chengalpattu Collector—had performed dual roles under Sections 15(2) and 15(3) of the Act, which is not permissible when property rights are involved. The court stressed that the land acquisition process should not be treated as a formality and must involve genuine consideration of objections.

Officials are now reportedly considering escalating the issue to the Chief Minister’s office to seek a resolution, especially given the political profile of the landowner. The future of the pedestrian overpass project remains uncertain until a feasible and legally sound path forward is found.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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The post Chennai’s Kilambakkam Skywalk Hits Roadblock Over Alleged DMK-Linked Landowner’s Hefty Compensation Demand appeared first on The Commune.

In the midst of the ongoing dispute between state transport department and the law enforcement regarding complimentary rides on government buses, police authorities have begun imposing penalties on buses for various infractions.

Over the past day, 22 buses parked in no-parking zones opposite the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) in Kilambakkam have been fined. Previously, the Tambaram police had issued warnings to buses against halting at unauthorized locations along the Chennai-Trichy national highway, citing traffic obstruction concerns. Those buses that disregarded this directive and stopped to drop off passengers were fined ₹1,000 rupees on 22 May and 23 May 2024.

In Semmencherry, a government-operated mofussil bus traveling on the Chennai-Puducherry route was penalized ₹1,000 for a parking violation and impeding vehicular movement. In another instance, a driver from the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), named Subramanian, was fined ₹1,000 for failing to stop at the designated area. Elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, instances of buses being overloaded with passengers and exceeding speed limits have been reported.

Police, who had previously shown leniency towards traffic violations committed by government buses, have recently intensified enforcement following mixed reactions on social media regarding the Nanguneri incident.

The traffic police fined 3 government bus drivers ₹500 each in Valliyur, Tirunelveli for not wearing seat belts and not wearing uniform properly.

திருநெல்வேலி: சீட் பெல்ட் அணியவில்லை, சீருடை ஒழுங்காக அணியவில்லை என வள்ளியூரில் 3 அரசுப் பேருந்து ஓட்டுநர்களுக்கு தலா ரூ.500 அபராதம் விதித்த போக்குவரத்துக் காவல்துறை#TrafficPolice | #GovtBus | #SeatBelt pic.twitter.com/jNGnMTmqvW

— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) May 24, 2024

Government buses in Erode, Chennai were penalized with fine for breaking traffic regulations by driving on one-way streets and no parkings.

சாலை விதிகளை மீறியதாக அரசு பேருந்துகளுக்கு அடுத்தடுத்து அபராதம் விதித்த போக்குவரத்து போலீசார்…! #Chennai | #GovtBuses | #TrafficPolice | #Fine | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/tOujsqYEip

— Polimer News (@polimernews) May 23, 2024

ஈரோடு: போக்குவரத்து விதிமுறைகளை மீறி ஒருவழிப்பாதையில் வரும் அரசு பேருந்துகள், தனியார் பேருந்துகள் மற்றும் கனரக வாகனங்களுக்கு ரூ. 500 வரை அபராதம் விதித்த போக்குவரத்து காவல்துறையினர்#Erode | #TrafficRules | #TrafficPolice | #GovtBus pic.twitter.com/efclB3J3m4

— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) May 24, 2024

The employees of the transportation department declined to allow free transportation for the police, even when presented with a warrant. According to regulations, they are entitled to complimentary travel, but the department employees still refused.

செங்கல்பட்டு: வாரண்ட் இருந்தும் டிக்கெட் வாங்க சொன்னதாக கூறி நடத்துநரிடம் கடுமையான வாக்குவாதத்தில் ஈடுபட்ட காவலர்#Chengalpattu | #Police | #GovtBus | #TicketIssue pic.twitter.com/HrVLWVrxAH

— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) May 24, 2024

Context

The ongoing conflict between the two department began recently and unfolded against the setting of a situation involving a police officer three days ago. The officer boarded a government bus bound for Thoothukudi via Tirunelveli at the Nanguneri court. When the conductor requested a ticket from the constable, he contended that, being a government employee, he had the right to travel for free. This viewpoint was enetered into an arguement.

The conductor insisted that policemen need a warrant to travel for free; otherwise, they must buy a ticket. The policeman refused and an argument ensued, with the exchange being captured on video and spreading widely on social media.

In response, the transport department issued a statement clarifying that policemen cannot travel on government buses without paying unless they have a warrant. They reiterated that policemen must purchase tickets if they don’t have a warrant and recommended departmental action against the Nanguneri policeman involved. Condemning the transport department’s action, Annamalai criticized the lack of communication regarding the free travel policy, noting that it has been three years since the Chief Minister’s announcement.

In this regard,  Annamalai in his official X handle stated that, “In the grant request for the year 2021-2022, when Chief Minister Stalin himself has announced free travel in buses within the working district, how is it justified to harass policeman Arumuga pandi like this?”

“It is surprising that even after three years the notification of the Chief Minister’s demand for grants has not been communicated to the transport corporations. I would like to advise to inform all the District Transport Corporations immediately about this announcement and immediately implement the announcement of free bus travel for policemen in the working districts across Tamil Nadu, and I insist that no action including departmental action should be taken against Policeman Arumugapandi.”

கடந்த 2021 – 2022 ஆண்டுக்கான மானியக் கோரிக்கையில், பணி செய்யும் மாவட்டத்துக்குள் பேருந்துகளில் இலவசப் பயணம் என்று, முதலமைச்சர் ஸ்டாலின் அவர்களே அறிவித்துள்ள நிலையில், காவலர் திரு. ஆறுமுகப்பாண்டி அவர்களை, இது போன்று துன்புறுத்துவது எந்த விதத்தில் நியாயம்?

முதலமைச்சரின் இந்த… https://t.co/FKV6dgfCmO

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) May 22, 2024

Anna Trade Union Secretary Meets Press

In light of this the secretary of the Anna Thozhir Sangam (Anna Trade Union) met reporters over the government’s apathy.

Reporter: “Day before yesterday, in Nanguneri, a conductor insisted a police officer had no ticket and should get a ticket. Similarly, a bus has been fined in Kilambakkam today, how do you see this?”

Anna Union State secretary Kamalakannan replied, “Everyone who travels on government transport should get a ticket, it is a fact, it is a duty, and that is the rule. If the policeman had a warrant, he could have showed and left, but there was no warrant. Our conductor insisted that he should take a ticket. Immediately there was an argument, and today I heard that they initiated an inquiry. What does the police department do in the meantime, saying, ‘You ask us for a ticket, I will take care of you’. Yesterday, they have filed a case. A fine of one thousand rupees was imposed on a driver. “

“If you see what’s the fine, A vehicle coming from Maduranthakam, that goes to Koyambedu, whenever it comes, the vehicle will stop on the opposite side of Kilambakkam, two or three passengers will get off and enter (Kilambakkam) from that side. Even the police will help them (to cross) at the bus stand, this vehicle will go straight up the bridge and reach Koyambedu. A fine of five hundred rupees has been imposed on this vehicle for parking at no parking and a fine of five hundred rupees for parking the vehicle disturbing the public, totaling one thousand rupees. This is strongly condemned.” he added.

அண்ணா தொழிற்சங்க மாநில செயலாளர் கமலக்கண்ணன் புகார்#GovtBus | #Police | #TicketIssue | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/F2Z2FD9yRh

— Polimer News (@polimernews) May 23, 2024

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The post Dravidian Model Of Governance: TN’s Transport Department And Law Enforcement At Loggerheads? appeared first on The Commune.

Amidst the ongoing holiday season, over 50,000 people who had pre-booked buses reached Koyambedu, where police barricades restricted the movement of buses in and out of the area. Passengers with confirmed reservations were unexpectedly denied entry and were asked to head to Kilambakkam at the last minute. This led to confusion and distress among people. Passengers voiced their frustration as they endured extended waits for buses. 

Passengers stranded at the bus station were frustrated by the lack of organisation by the state government in Tamil Nadu. Several of them were unable to reach the Kilambakkam bus station after arriving at Koyambedu to board their buses to reach their respective destinations. Speaking to News Tamil24x7, the passengers narrated their ordeal. 

One male passenger said, “This was the same situation during Pongal too. At that time, they called us 3 hours before the scheduled departure and said the bus would not be at Koyambedu and we had to be at Kilambakkam. So this time, we called them up earlier at 1.30 PM or so, and confirmed where the boarding point would be. They asked us to board at Koyambedu. It is one hour since we arrived here, and there is an announcement now. We don’t know where we have to go next. You know how this feels like, for the sake of satisfying the government’s ego, we are being troubled. They have built the bus station there so we have to go there and board. I live in Mogappair, from here if I have to reach Kilambakkam, it will take me nearly 1.5 hours. For me, Koyambedu is closer, it takes only 10 minutes. To satisfy your ego, why should we go there instead of using the facilities nearby? There is such a big omnibus bus stand here, what is the justification that we must go there only? Don’t trouble us for your ego. That is my request. For Pongal also same thing happened, they gave the excuse of traffic jams. I went from here to Kilambakkam by bike. I took the bypass and got stuck in the traffic at Tambaram, it is the same thing now. The traffic at Perungulathur has now shifted to Vandalur, that is the only difference. They have spent so much money to build it but I do not see how it will be justly used. Please do not bring your ego into this, we are suffering a lot. If the buses start an hour late, I will reach my destination at midnight, our entire plan will be spoiled because I have to travel further and go to the village and over there the buses don’t come often, we have to wait there as well. Everything will be delayed. The announcements are changing by the minute, first, they said 7 PM now they are saying all the buses, now I do not know if we have to stay here or go to Kilambakkam.”

Another passenger named Sujith said, “I am an advocate at the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court. I came here for an interview with the judges. I came here with my wife. The bus was supposed to be here at 2.15 PM, but till now there is no sight of the bus. I am supposed to take Parveen Travels, but it is still not here. The government could have at least given us a notification when we bought the ticket at least they should have told us, but they didn’t. I booked my tickets at Madurai. First, they said the bus would leave at 7 PM but now they are not saying anything. They are not even issuing a refund.”

Another passenger who was on his way to Trichy said, “They said the bus will leave at 3 PM, but the bus has not reached here yet. When I called them they said they were not letting the bus inside. The government has to allocate timing for this and do it. If they have to do it immediately, how will they? I can take a cab and go that is not an issue for me.”

Another passenger said, “They said the bus would leave at 1 PM, then they said it was at 1.45 PM. I received a call and when I reached at 1.40 PM, they said the bus had left already and asked me to go to Koyambedu. They asked me to board the 3 PM bus there. I have been waiting since 3 PM, there is no sign of any bus. When we went in and asked about it, they kept flip-flopping their answers.”

"உங்க Ego-வுக்கு எங்கள கஷ்டபடுத்தாதீங்க…" நீண்ட நேரம் காத்திருக்கும் பயணிகள் பேட்டி#OmniBusStand #Koyambedu #OmniBus #Passengers #KilambakkamBusTerminus #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/bV1RLjtd7P

— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) January 24, 2024

A report by Polimer News records people sharing what happened.

One passenger named Michael says, “They never intimated us. Till the evening they said the bus would leave from here (Koyambedu) only. But they have stopped it now, how can we go now?”

Another visibly upset lady passenger who had planned to go to Madurai said, “We booked the tickets 2 days back. They are not letting us inside now. I don’t know what to do. We have a function to attend tomorrow. They are not allowing us inside, we are being asked to go to Kilambakkam. When do we go, our bus is at 7.15 PM! We came here at 6.45 PM thinking we had to board here, but the police is denying entry. When we call them, they are asking us to come inside breaking the barricade but there are police standing there. How do we go inside, how do I attend the function tomorrow? The government will come up with rules suddenly and we have to suffer for that? We were not informed of the change nor was it on the news. I came here directly after work. Only after reaching the bus stand (Koyambedu) did I come to know of the change. I have to go somehow, whose money is this? I work, I earn and I am buying my tickets with that, who is giving the money, is the government arranging free buses?”

Yet another lady passenger said, “We are shunting from here to there, we need to go to Madurai, how do we go now? All of a sudden, we are asked to go to Kilambakkam, how do we go? They are not allowing us inside and asking us to go there to Kilambakkam. If we call the bus company (travels), they are saying the bus is here and asked us to come inside. It is 7 now, how will we reach on time to board the 8.15 PM bus? We left home at 4 PM, and from 5.30 PM we are running here and there. The police are not letting us inside also. What can we ladies do?”

A male passenger said, “People like us who are fairly well-to-do can manage the trip to Kilambakkam. How will the others without money go? What is Stalin doing?” 

யார் அப்பன் வீட்டு காசு @Udhaystalin ??

தொடர் விடுமுறையால் 50,000-க்கும் மேற்பட்ட மக்கள் பேருந்துகள் முன்பதிவு செய்து கோயம்பேடு வந்தடைந்துள்ள வேளையில் காவல்துறையை வைத்து பேருந்துகள் உள்ளே-வெளியே செல்ல இயலாத வகையில் தடுப்புகளை அமைத்துள்ளனர்.

முன்பதிவு செய்து பேருந்து நிலையம்… pic.twitter.com/Il4GacVbXH

— Karthikeyan S (@karthikbjpkarur) January 24, 2024

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The post “Whose Dad’s Money?, I Work Hard And Pay”: People Slam DMK Govt For Kilambakkam Disaster, Say “Don’t Inconvenience Us To Satisfy Your Ego” appeared first on The Commune.

The Pongal week was a very long holiday. The following week – starting from 25 January 2024 to 28 January 2024 is yet another long weekend for the people of Tamil Nadu. 25 January 2024 is a special day since Thaipoosam will be celebrated and people from all parts of the state would want to go back to their hometowns since the following day 26 January 2024 is also a holiday owing to India’s Republic Day. 

Buses are the preferred means of transport for most of the people living in Chennai who intend to head back to their native. The challenges that emerged during the inauguration of the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus have escalated since its opening.

Amidst the ongoing holiday season, over 50,000 people who had pre-booked buses reached Koyambedu, where police barricades restricted the movement of buses in and out of the area. Passengers with confirmed reservations were unexpectedly denied entry and were asked to head to Kilambakkam at the last minute. This led to confusion and distress among people.

Passengers voiced their frustration as they endured extended waits for buses travelling from Kilambakkam for Thaipusam and Pournami Girivalam. The Chennai Kilambakkam bus station became heavily congested during holiday seasons, drawing large crowds over four consecutive days encompassing occasions like Thaipusam, Republic Day, and weekend breaks as people embark on journeys to their hometowns. Devotees heading from Chennai to Tiruvannamalai for Pournami Girivalam expressed concerns about the delays in bus services.

A passenger shared their dismay, recounting a journey to Koyambedu bus station that cost them ₹8 but had to shell out ₹200 to reach Kilambakkam by bus. Questions were raised about the necessity of the passengers to come to Kilambakkam when it was stated that all buses would pick up passengers at Koyambedu. A report by Polimer News records people sharing what happened.

One passenger named Michael says, “They never intimated us. Till the evening they said the bus would leave from here (Koyambedu) only. But they have stopped it now, how can we go now?”

Another visibly upset lady passenger who had planned to go to Madurai said, “We booked the tickets 2 days back. They are not letting us inside now. I don’t know what to do. We have a function to attend tomorrow. They are not allowing us inside, we are being asked to go to Kilambakkam. When do we go, our bus is at 7.15 PM! We came here at 6.45 PM thinking we had to board here, but the police is denying entry. When we call them, they are asking us to come inside breaking the barricade but there are police standing there. How do we go inside, how do I attend the function tomorrow? The government will come up with rules suddenly and we have to suffer for that? We were not informed of the change nor was it on the news. I came here directly after work. Only after reaching the bus stand (Koyambedu) did I come to know of the change. I have to go somehow, whose money is this? I work, I earn and I am buying my tickets with that, who is giving the money, is the government arranging free buses?”

Yet another lady passenger said, “We are shunting from here to there, we need to go to Madurai, how do we go now? All of a sudden, we are asked to go to Kilambakkam, how do we go? They are not allowing us inside and asking us to go there to Kilambakkam. If we call the bus company (travels), they are saying the bus is here and asked us to come inside. It is 7 now, how will we reach on time to board the 8.15 PM bus? We left home at 4 PM, and from 5.30 PM we are running here and there. The police are not letting us inside also. What can we ladies do?”

A male passenger said, “People like us who are fairly well-to-do can manage the trip to Kilambakkam. How will the others without money go? What is Stalin doing?” 

யார் அப்பன் வீட்டு காசு @Udhaystalin ??

தொடர் விடுமுறையால் 50,000-க்கும் மேற்பட்ட மக்கள் பேருந்துகள் முன்பதிவு செய்து கோயம்பேடு வந்தடைந்துள்ள வேளையில் காவல்துறையை வைத்து பேருந்துகள் உள்ளே-வெளியே செல்ல இயலாத வகையில் தடுப்புகளை அமைத்துள்ளனர்.

முன்பதிவு செய்து பேருந்து நிலையம்… pic.twitter.com/Il4GacVbXH

— Karthikeyan S (@karthikbjpkarur) January 24, 2024

What is also quite apparent from these videos is that people are confused between Kelambakkam and Kilambakkam. 

A netizen also shared his experience on social media platform X. He wrote, “Operationalising Kilambakkam bus stand is a classic case study of how can one “Royally” Screw something! All of us who were supposed to board at different parts of Chennai were asked to come to Kilambakkam at the last moment. The public buses to Kilambakkam were extra crowded. A few of us pooled in and hired an auto. Reached here by 11 PM. At the outset, it looked well-lighted. But after entering the terminus, there were no food options. There were 2 restaurants but were out of stock. There was this Aavin booth that served hot milk which was my dinner. Being a new bus stand, was anticipating that restrooms will be well maintained. But was shocked to see Pathetic restrooms. Feel sorry for the maintenance staff here. Their displeasure is very much visible!”

Operatinalising Kilambakkam bus stand is a classic case study of how can one “Royally” Screw something!

All of us who were supposed to board at different parts of Chennai were asked to come to Kilambakkam at the last moment. The public buses to Kilambakkam were extra crowded.…

— Indhavaainko (இந்தாவாய்ங்கோ) (@indhavaainko) January 24, 2024

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party State Secretary, SG Suryah, posted a video reporting live from Koyambedu Omni Bus Station. In the video, he said, “I was in a news debate with News7 and from then I was constantly receiving messages from people that they had booked bus tickets to go from Koyambedu to their respective destinations. It is Thaipoosam tomorrow (25 January 2024) and it is a long weekend as well. But they said that the omnibus operators informed the passengers that they needed to board at Kilambakkam. But there were no buses that would ferry them to Kilambakkam. Autos and cabs were charging ₹1000 and above. So I came here to understand the situation. But the omnibus bus station is closed. There are 100s of police personnel deployed there. The people here are informing me that the government has issued an order that no buses can ply from here. The reason given for that is that the buses must operate only from the Kilambakkam bus station. The Omnibus Operators Association is stating that the government is forcing them to ply from Kilambakkam. It is the people that are facing all the trouble because of this decision. Even during New Year (1 January) they did the same thing, so also for Pongal, now it is being repeated for Thai Poosam. There were so many women with infants outside the Koyambedu bus station. Why doesn’t the government have any plan? Anbazhagan says that nearly 60,000 passengers have booked their bus tickets from Koyambedu. Why is the government hell-bent on making these passengers board their buses only from Kilambakkam? The Chief Minister must try to understand the problems being faced by the people. He is sitting at home and doing politics on Facebook and the internet. Instead, he has to come out and see for himself how his government authorities are troubling the people of his state without any planning. I don’t know if the CM is even aware of these things, is he being informed of the developments? The people are really frustrated with what is happening. It is even worse in Kilambakkam. 

At Kilambakkam bus station, the government themselves have intimated that only 144 omnibuses can be parked at a time. However, at the omnibus bus stand here, more than 1000 such omnibuses ply in a single day. How will they accommodate and operate 1000 such omnibuses in place of those 144 omnibuses? The omnibus association tells me that no facilities are in place to permit this. There is a separate omnibus bus stand in Mudichur being built but it will take about 6 months for it to be completed. They say that they will operate from there after the completion. Till then, they wish to operate from Koyambedu itself. But the government is not even ready to discuss this. What is the politics behind this? Why are the people being troubled so much? I request the Chief Minister to address this issue immediately.”

தற்போது கோயம்பேடு ஆம்னி பேருந்து நிலையத்தில் இருந்து Live.

ஹிந்து பண்டிகைகளை குறிவைத்து தமிழர்களை வஞ்சிக்கிறதா ஹிந்து விரோத தி.மு.க அரசு? பதில் சொல்லுங்கள் பொம்மை முதல்வரே திரு.@mkstalin ? pic.twitter.com/qfE9g2MoeK

— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) January 24, 2024

Critics argue that the government is consistently involved in actions that leave citizens vulnerable. 

(with inputs from Polimer News)

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The post Kilambakkam Kalaignar Bus Terminus Turns Into Hell: Passengers Misguided And Not Allowed To Board Omni Bus At Koyambedu, Lack Of Food And Toilet Facilities At KCBT Makes Matters Worse appeared first on The Commune.

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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The post Kilambakkam Kalaignar Bus Terminus Fiasco: Omni Bus Owners Demand Operations From Koyambedu CMBT, DMK Govt Threatens Action appeared first on The Commune.

The recently inaugurated Kalaignar Centenary Bus Stand near Vandalur in Chengalpattu district has become the centre of controversy after the overnight demolition of the Sivasakthi Vinayagar Temple located within the premises. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu inaugurated the bus stand two weeks ago and has been mired in controversy ever since. 

The reconstruction of the temple, conducted on a smaller scale by the contractor, drew criticism as concerns were raised regarding the presence of places of worship in government-owned public spaces.

Photos of the demolished Ganesha temple at Kilambakkam bus station surfaced on social media, intensifying the discussions around the issue. The land in question was initially owned by a private company, and a legal dispute ensued. The court eventually ruled that the land belonged to the Chennai Metropolitan Development Corporation, paving the way for the construction of the bus station. 

கிளாம்பாக்கம் பேருந்து நிலையத்தில் இருந்த விநாயகர் கோவிலை இடிக்க உத்தரவிட்டது யார் ? @CMDA_Official

இந்துக்களுக்கு எதிராக செயல்படுகிறதா திமுக அரசு? @CMOTamilnadu pic.twitter.com/YVUgcnoklp

— Savukku Shankar (@SavukkuOfficial) January 11, 2024

The Ganesha temple, which had stood at the Kilambakkam new bus stand for over 30 years, was situated near the outpost, now converted into a police station. Devotees from surrounding areas, including Urpakkam, Ayyanchery, and Karanaipuducherry, frequented the temple for continuous worship. The sudden removal of the Ganesha statue and the complete demolition of the temple overnight took locals by surprise, leading to a gathering at the temple site.

The situation escalated as representatives from Hindu Munnani and BJP visited the area. The police, led by Guduvancheri Assistant Commissioner Jayaraj and Guduvancheri Inspector Murugesan, were deployed for security at the Kilambakkam bus station. Anticipating potential protests from Hindu organisations, High-Security Force police were summoned following the order of Tambaram Commissioner Amalraj.

30 ஆண்டுகளாக கிளாம்பாக்கம் பேருந்து நிலையம் அருகில் இருந்த விநாயகர் கோவில் நள்ளிரவு இடிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. இன்னொரு தரப்பினர் எதிர்ப்பு தெரிவிக்கின்றனர் என்கின்ற காரணத்தைக்காட்டி இந்துக்களின் உணர்வு புண்படும்படியாக கோவிலை இடித்து தள்ளியுள்ளது இந்த நாத்திக அரசு.

30 வருடங்களாக… pic.twitter.com/7AuAi35J7H

— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) January 12, 2024

Officials from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Corporation addressed the controversy, stating that the land had been leased by VGP, leading to an ongoing court case. The court’s verdict affirmed that the land belongs to the Chennai Metropolitan Development Corporation. Previous constructions by VGP, including the World Peace Mata Temple and Mandapam, were removed for the bus stand, leaving only the Ganesha temple untouched. Continuous petitions regarding the temple led to the recent decision to remove it, putting an end to the longstanding issue.

(with inputs from Dinamalar)

The post Vinayakar Temple At Kilambakkam ‘Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus’ Demolished Overnight  appeared first on The Commune.

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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The post Kilambakkam Bus Terminus Fiasco: Residents Protest Against Buses Take Service Road Where School Children Walk appeared first on The Commune.