Chennai’s first fully AC bus shelter to come up near Anna Square for Rs 78.4 lakh
- First fully AC bus shelter in Chennai to be built near Anna Square
- Project cost estimated at Rs 78.4 lakh
- Greater Chennai Corporation is executing the work
- Shelter expected to be completed in a few months
City’s first AC bus stop for Anna Square
The Greater Chennai Corporation is set to build the city's first fully air-conditioned bus shelter near Anna Square. The project, estimated to cost Rs 78.4 lakh, is expected to provide relief to commuters waiting in Chennai's heat.
Officials said the shelter will be a prototype for similar facilities across the city if the pilot is successful.
What the shelter will offer
The AC bus shelter will be equipped with glass enclosures, seating, and a cooling system. It is designed to accommodate around 20 to 25 passengers at a time.
The structure will also have digital displays showing bus arrival timings and route information. The corporation hopes this will encourage more people to use public transport.
Cost and timeline
At Rs 78.4 lakh, the shelter is among the more expensive bus stop projects in the city. The cost includes the air-conditioning unit, glass panels, electrical work, and civil construction.
Work is expected to begin within weeks, and the shelter should be operational in a few months, according to corporation sources.
Why Anna Square was chosen
Anna Square is a busy junction near the Marina Beach, used by thousands of commuters daily. It connects several bus routes and is close to the Chennai Central railway station.
The location sees heavy foot traffic, making it an ideal spot for a pilot project of this nature.
Future plans
The corporation has not yet announced plans for more AC shelters. Officials said the Anna Square shelter will be evaluated for usage and maintenance costs before any expansion.
Chennai has over 3,000 bus stops, but only a handful have basic amenities like seating and shade. The AC shelter project is part of a broader push to upgrade public transport infrastructure.
Commuters will be watching closely to see if the facility is maintained properly. Previous attempts to install modern bus shelters in the city have faced problems with vandalism and poor upkeep.