Chennai Tambaram Rs 6.5 Crore Bus Terminus to Decongest Highways
As Chennai’s southern gateway, Tambaram has long struggled with traffic congestion caused by an overburdened public transport system. In a move aimed at improving urban mobility and easing commuter woes, the Tambaram Corporation has announced the construction of a new bus terminus near the National Highway, with an investment of Rs 6.5 crore. The upcoming facility is expected to decongest arterial roads, streamline passenger movement, and reduce haphazard bus halts that have long disrupted traffic flow.
Tambaram’s existing bus stop is too small to accommodate the heavy influx of passengers arriving from the city’s railway terminal. As one of the busiest transit hubs in the region, the locality witnesses thousands of daily commuters boarding buses to southern districts of Tamil Nadu. The current infrastructure struggles to cope, leading to frequent gridlocks, especially during peak hours. Additionally, the encroachment of the bus stop by street vendors has forced buses to halt on the highway itself, further exacerbating the problem. To address these issues, the new terminus, spanning 198 metres, has been strategically planned to facilitate smoother transit operations. The Tambaram Corporation has set March 7 as the date to float tenders for the project, with completion targeted by September.
From a sustainability perspective, the new bus terminus is a crucial step towards promoting efficient public transport. Urban congestion has a direct impact on pollution levels, with stationary vehicles contributing to increased emissions. By reducing traffic bottlenecks and streamlining bus movements, the facility will help cut down vehicular idling time and overall carbon footprint. Many cities across India, including Bengaluru and Hyderabad, have undertaken similar projects to ensure better transit efficiency while aligning with environmental goals. If implemented effectively, Tambaram’s initiative could serve as a model for sustainable urban transport planning.
While the announcement has been welcomed by commuters and transport stakeholders, urban planners stress the need for long-term integration of the bus terminus with Chennai’s larger mobility framework. Improved last-mile connectivity, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and systematic enforcement of encroachment-free zones will be essential to maximise the project’s effectiveness. Chengalpattu District Collector Arun Raj recently visited the site, reviewing the proposal alongside corporation officials. As the region continues to urbanise rapidly, the success of such projects will be instrumental in shaping Chennai’s evolving public transport landscape.
