RailEnquiry

A section of residents of Golden Rock, where a large number of quarters for Railway employees are located, have been demanding the shifting of the bus terminus in the housing colony.The demand comes in the wake of the demolition of the old and dilapidated quarters in North D Railway Colony some months ago by Railway administration. The bus terminus located near the North D block, many residents say, has become redundant now. City buses originating from the terminus begin their journey almost empty and only at the next halt at Mariamman Temple passengers board them, say local residents.“The bus terminus at North D serves no purpose now and is only a drain on the TNSTC as the buses are plying from the terminus with hardly any passenger most often,” says H.Ghouse Baig, a Railway employee and secretary, Consumer Protection Council, Tamil Nadu, Golden Rock branch.Locals suggest that a new terminus be established at Vathiyar Kulam, where adequate space was available. “Such a move would help commuters alighting for transiting from the Manjathidal Railway Station and those going to Mela Kalkandarkottai and Ambikapuram,” says Mr.Baig. If the terminus were to be shifted, the Railway administration would, no doubt, create the necessary facilities, Mr.Baig adds.

He and some other residents point out that the access road to North D terminus from Manjathidal station is poorly lit during nights. On the other hand Vathiyar Kulam can be easily accessed from the station, they say.

“Previously there were about 500 houses in the North D locality but now there are hardly 30 houses. If the buses were operated from Vathiyar Kulam, residents of Mela Kalkandarkottai, Defence Colony and Ambikapuram, commuters from Manjathidal would benefit, says K.C.Neelamegam, State Advisor, Makkal Sakthi Iyakkam, Golden Rock.

Enquiries with the TNSTC revealed that the corporation extended about 12 singles up to Keezha Kalkandarkottai in view of the situation about three months ago. Conceding that buses originating from North D terminus start their journey with few passengers, a senior TNSTC official said the Corporation would be open to suggestions from residents and assured to look into the matter.