Plan to redevelop bus terminal for private buses hits legal hurdle

 

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

The proposal to redevelop Chennai Contract Carriage Bus Terminal (CCCBT) near Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex by amalgamating some additional land for the operation of omni buses and passenger amenities has hit a legal hurdle.

A CMDA official said that the proposal was to redevelop the existing CCCBT by amalgating additional land with an extent of 15.99 acres.

The bone of contention lay in the 3.03 acres of land which is facing legal wrangle. Two writ petitions have already been filed in the High court. One seeks claim to 1.03 acres of land while another to land measuring 2.02 acres.

Interestingly, Mahindra Engineering Consultants have already submitted draft feasibility report on the project and surprisingly both the sites fall within the proposed redevelopment of CCCBT boundary.

CMDA official said that the project would be delayed due to the legal issue. “The advocate general is taking up the issue. We hope it will be sorted out soon in the court,” he said.

The omnibus terminus was opened in 2003. It has 68 bus bays. However, it was not enough to cater to the rise in number of buses as well as passengers. As such CMDA is planning to ease the congestion in the area by going in for multi-level storied bus terminal, CMDA sources added.