Chennai Authorities Plan Measures As Central Station Bus Bays Overcrowded
Chennai is witnessing severe congestion at the bus bays outside MGR Central Railway Station, where peak-hour traffic has turned boarding into a chaotic ordeal. Multiple buses entering the bays simultaneously leave little space for commuters, forcing passengers to squeeze through gaps or run along the carriageway. The overcrowding also blocks entry for additional buses, extending vehicle queues along Poonamallee High Road. Authorities are now planning measures to streamline operations and ensure safer commuter movement.
The congestion is exacerbated by the layout of the two existing bus bays, which struggle to accommodate the volume of buses and passengers during rush hours. Commuters report that those waiting at the second bay often move to the first bay to catch their buses, risking accidents. Senior citizens and passengers with heavy luggage face particular challenges navigating the crowded space, raising safety concerns in one of the city’s busiest transit hubs.While Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) officials state that bus bunching is not technically occurring, the simultaneous arrival of multiple buses whenever signals turn green leads to overcrowding. Central Square bus stand nearby has been upgraded with larger bays for routes heading to Broadway, but the older stand serving MGR Central remains narrow and underdeveloped, unable to handle the high commuter load effectively.
Sundarapandian, MTC Joint Managing Director, confirmed that marshals will be stationed outside the bus stand to monitor bus movements and coordinate with police personnel. “We are taking steps to ensure smoother operations and reduce risks for passengers,” he said. Yet transport experts argue that operational measures alone will not fully address the problem without structural improvements to the bays themselves.CPI councillor M. Renuka observed that buses frequently park outside the official bays along EVR Periyar Salai, leaving commuters to board before reaching the stand. “The bunching of buses forces them to stop outside, creating safety hazards for passengers trying to board,” she noted. Transportation activist Senthil Kumar suggested extending the two existing bays up to Wall Tax Road to accommodate more buses simultaneously, reduce congestion, and improve passenger flow.
Chennai’s situation highlights a broader urban mobility challenge: ensuring efficient and safe public transport in densely populated areas. Aligning infrastructure capacity with rising commuter demand is crucial for sustainable city planning. By combining operational management, safety protocols, and physical upgrades to bus bays, authorities can enhance commuter experience, reduce accidents, and improve public transport efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable and accessible urban environment.
