‘Temporary’ bus shelter leaves users under punishing sun

Chennai: The bus shelter at the Thiruvalluvar Statue stop in Mylapore is rickety and cannot accommodate more than 10 people at a time, leaving most others under the punishing sun.

Users have flagged the temporary facility put up due to the ongoing metro construction work, and called for a larger, more permanent structure with more shade and better seating. With temperatures soaring in the city, commuters say it is not a matter of convenience but a necessity for public health.

One of the busiest in the city, the Thiruvalluvar Statue stop sees an MTC bus arrive roughly every two minutes. It connects key areas such as Broadway, Tambaram, Vadapalani, High Court and Thiruvanmiyur. “A bus stop with adequate shelter is a basic requirement. This bus stop serves hundreds of commuters on major routes such as 29C, 21, and 21B,” said a commuter.

“During peak hours, more than 50 people are left standing in the sun. Some hold umbrellas while others use their bags to shield themselves from the heat. The elderly suffer the most. If we move away to find shade, we are forced to run and board buses when they arrive,” said Nagma P, resident of R K Salai.

“The city has even had air-conditioned bus shelters. It is disappointing to see such a central location neglected and overshadowed by metro construction work,” said Baskar Srinivas, an advocate.

“The bus stop on the opposite side is no good either. The pavements are broken and there is no space to stand comfortably. Even during non-peak hours there is significant footfall in these two stops, which becomes much more intense after 3pm,” he added.

When contacted, DMK councillor K Mathivanan (ward 121) said: “I will take it up with GCC officials, and construct new bus stops for Mylapore using ward funds.” GCC zonal officer (zone 9) Balamurugan said the issue will be addressed and a new bus stop would be constructed soon.