Ambattur estate depot neglected over the years

CHENNAI: Despite catering to around 40,000 to 50,000 commuters every day, the Ambattur Estate Bus Depot which is a crucial point connecting western suburbs to southern and northern suburbs and also to far western areas such as Tiruverkadu, Ayappakkam and Pattabhiram lies neglected and in shambles.

The depot accommodates 63 MTC buses which ply about 822 to 980 trips in a day and yet lacks basic facilities such as access roads and amenities inside the depot. Commuters complained that the buses were irregular, announcements weren’t clear and the situation has remained the same over the years.

Bala, a resident of Padi, said the depot has four bays which could accommodate around 10-12 buses. “When the bays are full, the buses line up on the road and cause traffic congestion up till the signal on the main road,” he complained.

“It’s a rough ride for passengers on the stretch from CTH Road in Padi to Ambattur Estate Depot, which also remains broken and narrow,” he added.

In 2009, NHAI (National Highway Authority of India) floated a tender for a Rs 1,000 crore project to widen the Padi to Thiruvallur stretch of CTH road. But it did not take off as the Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sankam opposed removing thousands of shops on the side of the highway. The shops continue to create traffic congestion.

“The road is in a very bad shape, especially from Padi to Avadi. Traffic has increased over the time, but the road still remains as it was 25-30 years ago. It is a nightmare to drive on the road during rain. Talks have been going on for several years to widen the road but nothing has changed so far,” said Prakash, a resident of Ambattur.

Commuters are deprived of basic amenities such as waiting seats, signages, bus bays, drinking water and toilets. The ground is strewn with stones and sand making it difficult for commuters to board the buses. There are no benches for people to sit and hygiene is also an issue.

“The place stinks so much that we are unable to wait for more than ten minutes at the depot,” said Priya, a college student.

MTC officials at the depot appeared to have lost all hope of bringing change. An MTC official said, “Even if the problems are rectified, it will not last long,” he said, hinting at the failed attempt to widen CTH Road.