Of the 12 bulbs in the high-mast lamp at the Metropolitan Transport Corporation terminus in Kovur, only two are glowing. This is one of two major problems encountered at the facility, the other being lack of adequate space within the terminus.
As the lack of space makes it difficult for MTC drivers to negotiate turns, they park the vehicles outside the terminus. Except for a small makeshift time-keeper’s room and a police booth, the space within the terminus is marked by encroachments.
Now, auto-rickshaws and cabs can be seen parked within the terminus. Beggars and miscreants sleep on the concrete slabs.
Above all, at the entrance to the terminus, there are stacks of concreted pipes.
The terminus was renovated at a cost of ₹ 7 lakh. Every day, on an average, more than 120 services are operated to Kundrathur, Iyyapanthangal, Vadapalani, Mandavali and Poonamallee. Residents from many villages, which include Kollachery, Arambedu, Erumaiyur, Kavanoor, Kolambakkam, Poothandalam and Vaipoor use the terminus.
At night, they prefer to go to the Kundrathur bus terminus, which is around 2 km from Kovur or to the Four Cross Junction, which is close to a kilometre away.
“The facility is not well-lit and the police-booth remains closed during night. As a result, the place is not frequented by people at night” says S. Kumudha, a resident of Kovur. In this regard, an MTC official says, “Steps will be taken to provide the basic amenities.”