Chennai Buses rerouted: Commuters face chaos

Commuters in Chennai experienced confusion and hardship on Saturday as the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus operations relocated from the Broadway terminus to Island Grounds and Royapuram. This shift, part of a redevelopment project by Chennai Metro Rail Limited, left many people without necessary transport options, particularly those heading to wholesale markets. The relocation, initially planned for January 5, was postponed to Saturday, January 24, 2026. Senior citizens and office-goers expressed frustration, with some facing increased travel expenses due to the need for alternative transport like autorickshaws. Of the 841 buses previously operating from Broadway, 526 have been rerouted to Island Grounds and 355 to Royapuram. MTC cited traffic police advice regarding potential congestion on NSC Bose Road as a reason for buses not using it. Commuters, however, reported a lack of clarity on exact bus halt locations near Broadway. Concerns were also raised about the facilities at the new termini, with reports of minimal roofing and seating at Island Grounds. Additionally, the perceived isolation of the new locations affected the availability of ride-sharing services, impacting last-mile connectivity for passengers.