Chennai Upgrades 62 Bus Shelters for Safety and Inclusivity with 200 More Planned
The Greater Chennai Corporation has embarked on a significant project to upgrade public bus shelters across the city. The initial phase has seen 62 shelters redesigned with features that prioritise safety, accessibility, and comfort, directly addressing the concerns of female commuters. This initiative is a critical step towards creating a more sustainable and equitable urban transport ecosystem, where public spaces are not only functional but also secure and inclusive for all citizens. It represents a shift in urban planning, focusing on the human element and ensuring that public infrastructure serves the diverse needs of the population.
The project is the result of a collaborative effort between the civic body and its Gender and Policy Lab, following a comprehensive survey that revealed the pressing needs of commuters. The survey highlighted that a staggering 94.4 per cent of women desired better pedestrian facilities around bus stops, while 92.8 per cent struggled with carrying multiple bags, underscoring the need for more thoughtful and accessible design. This data-driven approach has informed the upgrades, which include durable stainless-steel shelters with sturdy roofing and comfortable seating positioned at a more accessible height. The new design also focuses on eliminating so-called “dead spaces”—isolated areas around bus stops where commuters, particularly women, could feel vulnerable. An official from the civic body stated that the project is aimed at providing a safer environment for all.
This initial phase, which has a budget of nearly one crore, is set to be completed within a few months. The refurbished stops are located on high-traffic routes frequently used by women, including areas near prominent institutions like Pachaiyappa’s College, Anna University, and Ashok Pillar. The focus on these specific routes demonstrates a targeted and pragmatic strategy to maximise the impact of the upgrades. The civic body has identified 71 bus stops for this initial makeover, with 62 already completed, signalling a rapid and efficient implementation of the plan.
Beyond this initial phase, there are plans to introduce 200 more new shelters in the coming years. These future shelters will integrate advanced features such as CCTV cameras and improved amenities for persons with disabilities, ensuring that the city’s public transport infrastructure evolves to meet global standards of inclusivity and safety. This long-term vision positions Chennai as a leader in creating urban spaces that are not just eco-friendly and sustainable, but also deeply human-centric. The city is also addressing safety within buses, with nearly 2,500 buses now equipped with panic buttons, a measure being overseen by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation.
While infrastructural changes are crucial, urban development experts and community activists emphasise that they must be complemented by social policies and maintenance. They suggest that measures like human patrolling and the installation of helpline QR codes at bus stops could further enhance safety. Commuters too have voiced concerns about the long-term upkeep of the new facilities, stressing that maintenance is key to the sustainability of the project. This highlights the collective responsibility of the civic authorities and citizens in ensuring the longevity of these valuable upgrades. The overarching goal is to make public transport a preferred, safe, and viable option, thereby contributing to a reduction in personal vehicle use and a lower carbon footprint for the city.
