Chennai: With Perungalathur and Vandalur becoming major public transport hubs, residents of Mappedu, Vengambakkam and neighbouring areas, seek mini bus service to connect to these areas.
They feel that if the authorities cannot operate a new bus here, they should at least extend the route of S6 mini bus to Vandalur / Perungalathur. At present, the S6 bus, which starts from Tambaram East, stops at Vengambakkam.
A few years ago, this was a remote place, it is said. However, now, several residential plots, schools and colleges have come up. While there is no public or private transport available here, share auto drivers, too, seem to ignore this all-important stretch.
“People travelling to the southern districts have to catch their bus at Perungalathur or Vandalur. This chokes GST, leading to traffic jams. However, if buses are operated on this route, it would not only benefit residents but will also ease congestion,” said Thangavel, a resident of Vengambakkam.
If new services are introduced, people in the neighbourhood need not go to Tambaram, but directly reach Perungalathur, which will consume less time compared to the usual route.
Residents also alleged that the stretch was meant to link Medavakkam Koot Road and GST Road, near Perungalathur through New Agaram Main Road. However, the project was abandoned mid-way. “Operating buses here will definitely earn more revenue for MTC,” said Kumaresan, a commuter.