CHENNAI: In response to commuter protests over bus shortages during extended holidays and weekends, the Tamil Nadu transport department has decided to induct private buses on a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) basis. These buses will be stationed at the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT), Kilambakkam, to handle last-minute rush to key destinations.
Under the arrangement, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) in Salem and Villupuram will hire private buses on an 11-month contract, primarily to serve passengers on weekends, long holidays, and other peak-demand days. Private operators will provide buses and drivers and bear maintenance costs, while conductors from TNSTC will collect fares fixed by the government. Operators will be compensated monthly.
The initiative is expected to benefit commuters traveling to Dharmapuri, Salem, Krishnagiri, Hosur, and other major destinations from Chennai’s KCBT and Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT). Villupuram division had adopted a similar model last year during festival seasons, deploying private buses on routes to Villupuram, Kallakuruchi, Tiruvannamalai, and Cuddalore. A sizable fleet was operated from KCBT to Tiruvannamalai on Girivalam days, carrying large numbers of pilgrims, with private operators paid Rs 51 per km.
Building on this, the Salem division has extended the practice for 11 months, covering weekends, full moon days, festival eves, and muhurtham days, allowing operations up to 10 lakh km during the contract period. “Private operators will be paid on a per-km basis, though the exact fare has not yet been finalised. Tenders have already been floated,” an official said.
The Salem division covers Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, and Krishnagiri districts. Mofussil buses with 3x2 seating arrangements will operate from KCBT to Coimbatore, CMBT, and other destinations. “The sudden rush during muhurtham days often leads to heavy late-night congestion. With private buses now stationed at KCBT, this demand can be managed more effectively,” the official added.
KCBT currently handles over 750 mofussil buses, catering to 60,000 commuters daily, with numbers crossing one lakh on weekends and festival seasons.