The moffusil bus stand in Gandhipuram is literally bursting at its seams for want of space, especially during peak hours and weekends. The situation remains the same despite having shifted the operation of buses on specific sectors to Singanallur bus stand.
Thousands of passengers heading to Erode, Salem and Hosur and other destinations in Western districts use the bus stand. Shifting the bus stand to a spacious area is the only solution, say regular travellers.
Comprehensive bus stand at Vellalore
The proposal for a comprehensive bus stand at Vellalore on the lines of Koyambedu in Chennai continues to remain on paper and the project is moving at a snail’s pace.
The bus stand with 52 bays, 13 each in four platforms, thrown open to public in 1974 is witnessing increase in number of passengers day by day and the resultant increase in number of buses.
As many as 522 buses, including 122 private buses, are being operated from here every day. These buses make 1,371 trips. The bus stand remains congested during peak hours - 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
As many as 250 buses are operated during peak hours to meet extra rush. Besides, the TNSTC also operates special buses to all important destinations to clear extra rush during weekend, said Divisional Manager Sai Krishna.
Bus crew often refuse to park their buses in the bays as they find it difficult to reverse the vehicles due to lack of space. If parallel parking is allowed, it affects the movement of incoming and outgoing buses, he said.
The bus stand designed and established to serve the population of over 10,000 people should be expanded or buses should be allowed to come inside the bus stand just 10 to 15 minutes prior to the departure, said another TNSTC official stationed at the bus stand.
The problems could be resolved only if the comprehensive bus stand project in Vellalore is implemented, Mr. Sai Krishna said.
