[1]The inauguration of the much-awaited Tambaram bus terminus, constructed at the cost of about Rs 5 crore, has hit a speed-breaker as the archaeological survey of India (ASI) has raised objections to the project completion.
The project started in 2008 and took three years for completion; but the result is the 4.26 acres site has now been abandoned.
According to Tambaram municipal sources, the state-of-the-art bus terminus would have decongested the Tambaram junction. But, despite work being almost completed early this year, the terminus, comprising close to two-dozen bus bays and a few shops, is yet to come into operation.
“The public would be greatly benefited if the terminus is thrown open for use and the move would decongest GST road junction,” opined Mr N. Chelliah, a resident of Patel nagar, Tambaram.
The regional ASI is not concerned about such details and reiterates that the issue has to be cleared by the ASI headquarters in Delhi, since megalithic sites are located between the Madras export processing zone and the national institute of Siddha on GST road in Tambaram sanatorium, where the new bus stand is constructed, sources said.
A senior municipal official told DC that there was also a proposal to annex the adjacent area where an abandoned government hospital is to be demolished. Orders are awaited from ASI headquarters and the facility will soon be thrown open for use.
The bus stand has restrooms, a cloakroom, waiting lounge and place for running a restaurant.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/21tambaramjpgcropdisplayjpg-302