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.

Infrastructure Urban

29 Oct 2025

Designing Tomorrow: Amaravati’s Net Zero Landmark

Amaravati has achieved a defining landmark in India’s sustainable infrastructure journey with the inauguration of the APCRDA Project Office, the nation’s first government building to earn the IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating – Design Stage. Conceptualised by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the project exemplifies how governance, design and innovation can converge to deliver measurable environmental impact.A vision rooted in sustainabilitySet within a 4.3-acre site along the Seed Access Road in the Amar..

Pidilite Elevates Construction with PPS

Pidilite Industries introduced Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS) — a dedicated vertical for the construction and interiors ecosystem — at ACETECH Bengaluru 2025. Designed to empower architects, developers, contractors, and interior specialists, PPS delivers comprehensive support that extends far beyond products to ensure project excellence from concept to completion. Kavinder Singh, Joint Managing Director, Pidilite Industries, noted, “At Pidilite, we believe in enabling the construction fraternity to build boldly and sustainably. With Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS),..

Punjab, Centre Fast-Track Rajpura-Mohali Rail Line Development

The central government has fast-tracked the construction of the Rajpura-Mohali rail line to enhance connectivity in Punjab. This ambitious infrastructure project, aimed at improving transportation links between Rajpura and Mohali, has been identified as a key step in fostering regional economic growth. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the project’s acceleration during a recent assessment of the area. The rail line is expected to play a significant role in reducing travel time, promoting industrial growth, and boosting logistics efficiency in the region. The project,..