Avadi Bus Terminus to Undergo Major Revamp Under CMDA's Plan

The Avadi railway station in Chennai is undergoing redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with the bus terminus to be rebuilt by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority. The new terminus will have a three-storeyed facility with amenities such as food plaza, shopping area, public conveniences, and parking for 22 buses and 500 vehicles. Residents are requesting a temporary relocation of the bus stand to a nearby Defence Department-owned ground to prevent traffic congestion during the redevelopment work.

The Avadi railway station in Chennai is undergoing a significant transformation as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with the bus terminus set to follow suit under the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). The CMDA has announced plans to rebuild the bus terminus, which has long suffered from poor passenger facilities and traffic congestion.

The new bus terminus, expected to be completed within two years, will feature a three-storeyed facility with a built-up area of 65,000 sq. ft. The amenities will include a food plaza, shopping area, public conveniences, a water purification plant, and restrooms for bus crew. Additionally, the ground floor will accommodate parking for 22 buses at a time, with arrangements made for 500 vehicles, including cars. The terminus will also feature a spacious waiting area measuring nearly 5,000 sq. ft., along with a timekeeper’s office and other administrative offices.

Residents of Avadi have expressed their support for the redevelopment but have also raised concerns about the ongoing bus operations during the construction phase. They have urged authorities to temporarily relocate the bus terminus to a vacant ground owned by the Defence Department to prevent traffic congestion. The CMDA has acknowledged this request and is exploring the option of shifting the bus terminus to the vacant ground behind the current terminus.

Moreover, residents have highlighted the need for a skywalk to ensure easy and safe access between the bus terminus, Metro station, and railway station, similar to the one connecting the T. Nagar bus terminus and Mambalam railway station. This suggestion is particularly relevant given the proposed Metro rail line from Koyambedu to Pattabhiram, which will pass through the Avadi bus terminus, making it a major transport hub.

While the redevelopment of the Avadi bus terminus is a welcome move, the non-functional escalators at the Avadi railway station have also been a cause of concern for commuters. The escalators, installed a few months ago, have not been functioning or are being switched off during non-peak hours, inconveniencing several commuters, including senior citizens and women with children.

The CMDA's reconstruction work is part of the broader vision to modernize Chennai's transport infrastructure, with the aim of improving the commuting experience for residents and visitors alike. The successful implementation of these plans will not only enhance the efficiency of public transport but also contribute to the overall economic development of the region.

References:
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/residents-on-board-with-proposed-avadi-terminus-revamp-seek-temporary-relocation-of-bus-stand/article69795392.ece