The Chromepet bus stop (towards St. Thomas Mount and Airport) seem to serve those other than the intended beneficiaries.
Some commuters call it ‘a cattle shed’. Some others call it ‘a home for destitutes’.
“In the afternoon, the bus stop is occupied by cattle. After sunset, it is occupied by mendicants . At most hours, one can see vagabonds lying in a state of partial undress, causing embarrassment to women commuters,” R. Rishi, a commuter said.
Commuters waiting to board buses towards Pammal, Adyar, Pozhichalur, Anakapathur, and Thiruvanmiyur are forced to stand amidst cakes of cow dung, he pointed out.
“Stray cattle are found lying comfortably the bus bays. The authorities have to act soon solve the problem,” V. John, a commuter, said.
These beggars could be rehabilitated by offering them menial jobs, a few commuters suggested. Pedestrians complained that vehicles are parked on the service lane on the western side of the Grand Southern Trunk Road, behind the bus stop, despite the fact that it is designated as a no-parking zone.
“Commuters returning from the railway station are not able to walk due to illegal parking, ” pedestrians said.
When contacted, Pallavapuram Municipality officials said, “We are going to construct a shelter home for destitute people soon. The homes will have security guards, attendants and a manager to look after them. Regarding the cattle menace, a resolution has to be passed by the Municipality to penalise cattle owners who allow their cattle to stray. We are soon going to put flex boards in areas that come under the jurisdiction of the Municipality warning such cattle owners. If they don’t fall in line, they will be penalised. As on date, there are more than 150 cattle owners in Pallavaram and Chromepet.”
