A view of the Hasthinapuram bus stand. Commuters say MTC services are disproportionate to the demand on certain routes.
Hundreds of office-goers from Hasthinapuram and surrounding areas travel daily to Tirusulam to take the Metro. While some use the bus, many motorcyclists brave peak-hour traffic, covering about 8 km to reach the Metro station. Women riders, in particular, face risks from rash driving, overtaking, and uneven roads that often result in accidents.
With the growing suburban population, better access to Metro stations has become essential. Many residents commuting toward north Chennai prefer the Metro, and there is a growing demand for dedicated MTC shuttle services between Hasthinapuram and the Airport Metro station.
“I drive 8 km from Tirumalai Nagar to park my vehicle at the designated Metro parking at Pallavaram. Though share autos operate from there to Tirusulam Metro, they are slow and time-consuming,” says Chandini, a professional working at Thousand Lights. Several regular commuters from Hasthinapuram voiced similar concerns.
Activists have urged MTC to operate mini-bus shuttle services between Hasthinapuram and Tirusulam Metro. They believe this would not only ease the commute for hundreds of passengers but also reduce congestion on GST Road. However, at the Hasthinapuram bus stand, this reporter found several 52H buses running only up to Pozhichalur — services considered disproportionate to the demand.
‘MTC buses cannot function like share autos’
Commuters also point out that the 52B (Hasthinapuram–Broadway) service has been curtailed, with most trips now ending at Pozhichalur.
According to MTC crew, traffic bottlenecks make it difficult to complete the usual 10 single trips (five round trips), so authorities opted for “cut services” up to Pozhichalur or Anakapathur instead. “Commuters can take another bus to the Metro or elsewhere once dropped at Chromepet,” said one crew member on condition of anonymity.
Activists disagree. “The MTC cannot function like a share auto. How can commuters alight midway and board another bus for such a short distance?”, asked Ravi, a retired septuagenarian.
MTC officials admit that the demand for a service to Tirusulam Metro is valid. Activist Meenakshi Sundaram also supported the commuters’ plea. “First, they should restore or at least retain the full 52B service till Broadway. Next, MTC can run a dedicated shuttle to Tirusulam. If that’s not feasible, the existing minibus S2, which currently runs from Medavakkam to Chromepet, can be extended till Tirusulam Metro,” he said.
According to Sundaram, such a move would benefit hundreds of office-goers daily and could even increase MTC’s revenue.
Residents and activists alike stress that efficient last-mile connectivity is crucial for Chennai’s growing suburbs. A direct shuttle from Hasthinapuram to Tirusulam Metro could make commuting smoother, safer, and more sustainable for the city’s expanding workforce.
With the MTC planning to operate air-conditioned e-buses in more than 200 routes to metro stations for last mile connectivity, commuters hope authorities would give priority to Hasthinapuram.
Published – November 03, 2025 01:45 pm IST
