Kamal Ghorui
Chennai: For over two decades, Koyambedu’s sprawling bus bays were packed with buses, passengers and traffic at all hours. Now, as mofussil services steadily move to Kilambakkam and Kuthambakkam, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is planning a complete reinvention—either a massive urban park, a mixed-use district with towers and open spaces, or a full-fledged commercial hotspot like Delhi Haat or World Street in Faridabad. A transit-oriented neighbourhood is also planned.The 23-year-old Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT), which was built in 2002 at a cost of 103 crore and was once billed Asia’s largest bus terminus, now stands at the centre of one of Chennai’s biggest urban redevelopment decisions. The CMDA has prepared three proposals, which will soon be placed before chief minister Joseph Vijay and the yet-to-be-appointed housing and urban development minister, officials said.With south-bound buses moved to the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) at Kilambakkam and west-bound services expected to shift to Kuthambakkam, nearly 36 acres of prime land in west Chennai is set to be freed up. Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses alone are expected to continue operating from Koyambedu.The first proposal envisages converting the entire site into a major urban park. “The green space per capita in the city is very low. The park proposal could substantially expand that footprint,” said a source from CMDA.The second option proposes a mixed-use development combining green spaces with commercial towers, hotels, office spaces and retail facilities.The third proposal seeks to transform Koyambedu into a fully commercial destination with retail, entertainment, dining and cultural spaces designed around a walkable urban format.The CMDA has carried out feasibility studies examining financial viability, stakeholder preferences, traffic impact and long-term urban planning considerations. The reports are nearing completion. The redevelopment carries significant implications because of the site’s strategic location near Koyambedu metro station, Jawaharlal Nehru Salai and several commercial and residential corridors.While many environmental groups and PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss backed the proposal for a green space, real estate and commercial interests favour a retail and entertainment destination. “The CMBT premises is well connected by metro. Turning it into a mall will also bring in revenue. The cost per square foot is high in that locality,” said a retired CMDA official.Urban planner Karthikeyan Baskar suggested a mix of commercial and residential. “There is a dearth of residential supply in the core city,” he said.
