Metro Rail Patronage declines shifts of outstation buses to Kilambakkam

09 Feb 2024 CW Team

After the relocation of outstation bus operations from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) in Koyambedu to Kilambakkam, there has been a decline in metro rail patronage, which had previously shown a consistent increase post-Covid. In January 2024, monthly ridership witnessed a decrease of 6,000 passengers, totalling nearly 85 lakh footfalls, compared to December 2023.

Despite the decline, a CMRL official expressed that they have not observed a significant drop and do not anticipate further decreases in patronage. The shift in bus operations affected passengers within the city and some suburban areas who used to rely on the metro to reach CMBT quickly, avoiding congested 100-ft-wide roads during evening hours.

Many individuals arriving at Chennai airport from domestic and international destinations previously opted for metro trains to reach CMBT for buses heading to southern destinations such as Madurai, Tenkasi, and Tirunelveli. However, with the relocation to Kilambakkam, commuters find the journey more time-consuming and exhausting, especially without the prospect of a metro rail extension to Kilambakkam.

CMBT, once a crucial multimodal hub for metro rail, witnessed a change in footfalls on the Central Line in the evenings. The shift of outstation bus operations to Kilambakkam on January 1 affected approximately 1,000 government buses and 600 Omni buses during weekdays, reaching 1,000 during weekends.

Despite the recent dip, the metro rail currently averages 2.73 lakh daily passengers, doubling the pre-Covid-19 average of 1.16 lakh, reflecting its continued significance in the transportation network.

Real Estate

05 Aug 2026

BXB Estates closes record AED 110 million Dubai home sale

BXB Estates has completed a AED 110 million sale, setting a new record for the highest residential transaction in Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai.The transaction, negotiated by Alfie Tabrez, Managing Partner of BXB Estates, surpasses the community's previous record of AED 58 million for a completed villa.The six-bedroom residence spans 21,714 sq ft of built-up area on a 15,873 sq ft plot. It includes nine bathrooms, four lounges, a home office, private cinema, rooftop terrace, bar lounge, gymnasium, sauna and treatment suite.According to the company, the property was not publicly listed for sale...

Atul Projects Secures OC for Trade Square in Andheri East

Atul Projects has received the Occupation Certificate for Trade Square, its commercial development in Saki Naka, Andheri East, making the project ready for occupancy.Trade Square offers commercial units ranging from approximately 1,200 sq ft to 2,500 sq ft, designed to meet the workspace requirements of businesses of different sizes.The project is located around 500 m from Saki Naka Metro Station and approximately 3 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It also offers connectivity to Andheri-Kurla Road and the Western Express Highway.Its location provides access to establi..

The Chapter launches luxury villa project in Alibaug

Luxury real estate brand The Chapter has launched Volume 004, its fourth residential development and first in Alibaug, expanding beyond its three completed projects in Goa.Located in Vaijali, the project comprises 23 villas in 3BHK, 3.5BHK and 4BHK configurations. The development is positioned as a design-led, community-focused residential enclave featuring private pools, open-to-sky decks, semi-covered terraces and landscaped surroundings.The project offers homeowners a choice of curated interior themes, allowing them to customise their living spaces across styles including Tropical, Modern M..