In a significant boost to Chennai's urban infrastructure, Chief Minister M K Stalin is set to lay the foundation stone for a massive new multi-modal transport hub later this month. The project, integrated with Kuralagam and valued at a staggering ₹800 crore, aims to transform the city's northern transit landscape.
A Modern Hub for North Chennai
The announcement was made by HR&CE Minister P K Sekarbabu on Sunday, following his inspection of various development works in the Kolathur, Harbour, and Villivakkam Assembly constituencies. The centrepiece of this initiative is the complete redevelopment of the 75-year-old Broadway bus stand under the North Chennai Development Scheme.
This historic transit point will be reborn as a state-of-the-art facility designed to handle modern commuter needs. The new hub will feature 73 bus bays with an impressive capacity to manage approximately 466 bus movements every hour. Minister Sekarbabu emphasized that the project will particularly benefit residents of north Chennai, including a large number of daily wage workers and regular commuters who rely on public transport.
Interim Arrangements and Project Funding
To ensure minimal disruption during the construction phase, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will establish temporary bus terminals at two key locations. A facility at Royapuram is expected to handle about 2,000 bus trips daily, serving nearly 40,000 passengers. A similar temporary terminal at Island Grounds will help share the operational load.
The GCC has allocated ₹7.47 crore for the Royapuram terminal and ₹7.77 crore for the Island Grounds facility. The funding for the main ₹800 crore project will be pooled from allocations by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), the GCC, and other relevant government departments.
Focus on Inclusive Amenities and Broader Development
Minister Sekarbabu has given clear directives to officials to equip both temporary and permanent terminals with comprehensive passenger amenities. The list of required facilities includes:
- Seating arrangements and ramps for persons with disabilities
- Separate toilet blocks
- Drinking water facilities
- Parking for two-wheelers
- Dedicated breastfeeding rooms
- Paved roads, street lighting, and other public conveniences
During his tour, the minister also inspected other development projects in the region. He reviewed the restoration works at Villivakkam lake and examined the construction of a new community hall at SIDCO Nagar, being built at a cost of ₹6.75 crore. In Kolathur, he assessed the progress of urban primary health centres and ward office buildings, which together represent an investment of over ₹18 crore.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony for the transformative transport hub is scheduled for January 25, marking a pivotal step in Chennai's journey towards a more integrated and efficient public transportation system.
