Chennai’s Kilambakkam bus terminus opened: Discover Its Amenities and Potential to Alleviate Traffic Challenges

The newly inaugurated Kilambakkam bus terminus, known as the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT), near Chennai is set to revolutionize public transportation in the region. Costing Rs 393.74 crore and spanning across 88.52 acres in Kilambakkam, it is touted as India's largest bus terminus. With Chief Minister M K Stalin inaugurating the facility, it is expected to accommodate one lakh passengers and operate 2,310 buses daily.

Designed to alleviate traffic congestion, especially around the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) at Koyambedu, the KCBT will serve as a hub for south-bound buses of various transport corporations. Travel advisory from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) outlines the shift of operations from CMBT to KCBT for State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), Puducherry Road Transport Corporation, and private operators.

To enhance passenger mobility, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) plans to run regular shuttle services from various stops within Chennai to the KCBT. The bus services will connect KCBT to CMBT, Tambaram, Guindy, Broadway, Thiruvanmiyur, T Nagar, Poonamalle, and Iyyappanthangal. The terminus boasts modern amenities, including exclusive restrooms for different genders and disabled individuals, special ticket counters, wheelchair facilities, feeding rooms for lactating mothers, and a free medical center.

The KCBT also addresses the needs of drivers and conductors with dormitories, while the parking area accommodates 2,769 two-wheelers and 324 light motor vehicles. The terminus is adorned with modern art and sculptures showcasing the heritage of the land. Plans for road widening, a suburban railway station, a skywalk bridge, an archaeological interpretation center, and a climate park are in progress to further enhance the facility. Despite the initial construction starting in 2019 under the AIADMK government, it gained momentum under the current DMK-led government, completing the remaining 70% of the work in just 28 months. Services from various transport corporations are expected to be fully operational from the KCBT after Pongal in January's third week.