Chennai's Broadway Gets ₹822.7 Crore Multi-Modal Transport Hub Foundation Laid by CM Stalin
In a significant move to upgrade urban infrastructure, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art multi-modal integrated transport bus terminus and commercial complex at the historic Broadway bus stand in Chennai. The ambitious project, valued at ₹822.7 crore, marks a pivotal step in enhancing the city's public transport network and addressing long-standing congestion issues.
Project Details and Features
The development will comprise a nine-storey complex and a ten-storey commercial building, sprawling across 26,240 square meters with a total built-up area of 1.36 lakh square meters. Key features include:
- 73 bus bays designed to streamline operations and reduce traffic bottlenecks.
- A spacious passenger concourse for comfortable waiting and boarding areas.
- Retail spaces and office areas to boost commercial activity in the vicinity.
- Comprehensive parking facilities for 433 cars and 1,174 two-wheelers, easing vehicle storage concerns.
Officials emphasized that the terminal will be engineered to ensure smooth passenger movement without interfering with bus operations, incorporating modern amenities such as lifts, escalators, advanced fire safety systems, ventilation, air-conditioning, sewage treatment facilities, an integrated building management system, and well-maintained toilets.
Integration and Connectivity
A standout aspect of this project is its seamless integration with other transport modes. The facility is set to connect the High Court Metro station, MRTS, and suburban rail services, creating a unified transport hub. This integration aims to provide commuters with a hassle-free, efficient travel experience, reducing transfer times and improving overall accessibility in Chennai.
Historical Context and Current Impact
The Broadway and Thanga Salai bus stands were originally constructed in the early 1960s and opened for public use in 1964. Initially handling outstation bus services, congestion led to the relocation of mofussil operations to Koyambedu in 2002. Since then, Broadway has served as a city bus terminus, witnessing increasing footfall over the years.
Officials highlighted that this new project is expected to alleviate congestion significantly, offering a commuter-friendly transport solution as part of Chennai's broader public transport and urban infrastructure upgrade. Pending construction completion, buses from the Broadway terminus have been temporarily relocated to Royapuram and Island Grounds. Specifically, buses to north Chennai areas are operating from a temporary terminus at Ibrahim Salai in Royapuram, while those to south Chennai are plying via Kamarajar Salai from Island Grounds.
Future Prospects
This initiative not only aims to modernize Chennai's transport landscape but also promises to boost economic activity through its commercial components. By fostering a more efficient and integrated public transport system, the project aligns with broader goals of sustainable urban development and enhanced quality of life for residents.
