CHENNAI: Metro rail construction in Chennai is set to cause disruptions to MTC bus services, forcing temporary route changes and likely inconveniencing thousands of commuters.
Starting Feb 9, a total of 63 buses on seven routes operating from Villivakkam bus terminus will be relocated to ICF bus terminus.
The diversion will affect several buses on key routes, including 20 (Broadway-Villivakkam), 27D (Foreshore Estate-Villivakkam) and 23V (Velachery-Villivakkam), which will now run via New Avadi Road to Nathamuni, take a u-turn, and continue along their original route via Villivakkam (Kalpana) bus stop.
However, small buses on routes S43 (Pudur-Velachery) and S44 (Perambur-Villivakkam) will continue to run from Villivakkam bus terminus for passenger convenience.
MTC buses on route no 22 (Anna Square-Villivakkam) have been extended to Korattur. Route no 63, now running between Thiruverkadu and Villivakkam, will now run up to ICF.
Passengers, who rely on direct connectivity from Villivakkam, will now have to factor in additional travel time and potential waiting periods.