The Metropolitan Transport Corporation has moved services out of the Mandaveli bus terminus, redistributing them to three locations in Mandaveli.
The arrangement, which came into effect on August 27, was made to enable the work to modernise the bus terminus and construct a shopping complex at the terminal area.
Route numbers 21, 41D, S17, 49K and S5 will originate from Mandaveli MRTS railway station on Sringeri Mutt Road; 49F from Foreshore Estate bus terminus; and 12M and 5B from near Luz Corner.
The monthly pass renewal centre and free bus tokens for senior citizens will be distributed at the Foreshore Estate bus terminus, says a press release issued by MTC.
The vacated Mandaveli bus terminus.
| Photo Credit:
SRINATH M
Over to Sringeri Mutt Road
Setting foot in the Mandaveli bus terminus around rush hour should now evoke a sense of unreality to anyone accustomed to its bustle. The usual frisson of excitement that runs the facility at this hour is missing. There is an overpowering starkness with not a wheel in sight, except for those machines stationed to uproot structures and pave the way for a renovation exercise. A few metal barricades bearing the icon of a man with a shovel stand in readiness.
The bustle has been transferred — temporarily — to Sringeri Mutt Road, the section of the road near the Mandaveli MRTS Station. This will be the halting point for a few services (21, 41D, S17, 49K and S5) identified with the Mandaveli bus terminus. These services will return to the bus terminus once it is renovated and smartened up. Regulars hope this exercise unfolds at a fast clip.
The monthly pass renewal centre and free bus tokens for senior citizens will be distributed at the Foreshore Estate bus terminus
| Photo Credit:
SRINATH M
The shifting of the services entails having to cover added ground for some foot soldiers. For some of them, keeping time is absolutely important.
Parimala, a resident of Teynampet works as a helper in a house near the Mandaveli post office. She travels by 41D to her stomping ground. Walking all the way from Sringeri Mutt Road to her workplace adds to the time and burden.
On August 30, when the new arrangement was just two days old, Yashwanth, a college student, was caught on the wrong foot.
He was aware of the changes, but unaware that his regular wheels (route number 49F) would originate from the Foreshore Estate Bus Terminus. He had headed to Sringeri Mutt Road, and was a picture of disappointment. Due to the lack of space for buses to be stationed at Sringeri Mutt Road, the frequency of services has reportedly been reduced.
A temporary time keeper’s booth has been established.
As this arrangement was ushered in during an extended weekend, there was no traffic congestion on account of these buses being stationed near Mandaveli MRTS station. Monday (September 1) might has different picture to offer.
Published – August 30, 2025 10:50 pm IST
