In a glaring example of stalled infrastructure, the newly constructed Royapuram bus terminus in north Chennai remains non-operational months after its completion. The facility, built at a significant cost to streamline traffic and serve commuters, stands idle, raising serious questions about planning and the efficient use of public funds.
A Ready Facility Turned Makeshift Parking
Designed to accommodate 55 buses heading to destinations in north Chennai, the Royapuram terminus was envisioned as a key hub to decongest existing roads and bus stops. However, instead of bustling with public transport activity, the space has been reduced to a temporary parking spot. Two-wheelers, private cars, trucks, and even private buses have taken over the area, especially at night, highlighting a severe case of underutilization.
The situation is a direct blow to daily commuters who continue to face congestion, delays, and overcrowding at the older, inadequate stops. The delay in making the terminus functional has squandered a prime opportunity to streamline traffic flow on crucial northbound routes from the city.
Investment Lies Dormant, Maintenance Concerns Grow
With the terminus gathering dust, the substantial investment poured into its construction is effectively frozen. The idle infrastructure is not just a wasted asset but is also becoming vulnerable to damage and misuse. Unauthorized encroachment by vehicles increases the risk of wear and tear, potentially leading to higher maintenance costs for the state transport corporation before the facility even sees its first official bus.
Local authorities and the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) have yet to provide a clear timeline for its operationalization. The stalemate underscores a familiar pattern in urban projects where construction outpaces planning and execution, leaving citizens to bear the inconvenience.
Commuters Await a Promised Solution
For residents of north Chennai, the non-functional terminus represents a broken promise of better connectivity and reduced travel time. The continued reliance on congested points negates the very purpose of building new infrastructure. As the facility waits for a green signal, the pressing need is for coordinated action between civic bodies and transport authorities to commission the terminus without further delay.
The Royapuram bus terminus saga is a stark reminder that building infrastructure is only half the battle. Making it work for the public is the real test of governance and project management.
