BRTS Pilot Work Begins
Preliminary work has started on the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) pilot along the Broadway–Poonamallee High Road. This follows the release of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (2023–2048). The first step involves standardising road width, which the CMP identifies as essential for running the BRT service efficiently. (PHOTO CREDIT: AI)
Broadway–Poonamallee Chosen as First BRT Corridor
The corridor is the first of three BRT lines proposed in the CMP. It is one of Chennai’s most congested stretches and will offer faster, high-capacity bus movement. The project aims to ease traffic and improve overall travel experience for daily commuters. (PHOTO CREDIT: AI)
Need for Integrated and Efficient Transit
Public transport works best when it is reliable, comfortable and offers predictable travel times. These qualities make it easier for people to shift from private vehicles to buses. A well-planned BRT system can strengthen the overall network and encourage more commuters to choose public transport for daily travel.
(PHOTO CREDIT: AI)
Corridor to Support Future Passenger Demand
The 23-km corridor can carry a Peak Hour Peak Direction Traffic of 9,476 passengers by 2048. This makes it a priority stretch for BRT operations. The CMP also states that a minimum Right of Way of 30 metres is required for effective BRT functioning. (PHOTO CREDIT: AI)
Govt to Standardise Road Width
EVR Salai currently varies between 20m and 45m. To meet BRTS norms, the government plans to make narrower sections uniformly 30m wide. This is essential for creating dedicated bus lanes. Officials have begun identifying stretches where widening is needed. (PHOTO CREDIT: AI)
Land Planning Process Underway
After a meeting with CUMTA and other departments, the state highways department will prepare a land planning schedule. This includes mapping government and private land parcels, identifying areas for widening, and assessing ownership to determine compensation and acquisition procedures. (PHOTO CREDIT: AI)
Officials Acknowledge Complex, Time-Consuming Steps
Highways department officials said discussions covered Right of Way issues, junction redesign and land planning needs. Identifying private land and deciding compensation, along with different procedures for government land, will require considerable time and coordination. (PHOTO CREDIT: AI)
Next Steps: Engineering, Traffic Modelling and Bus Procurement
Once land identification is completed, departments will move to detailed engineering and traffic modelling. Bus procurement will follow. Officials stress that BRT success depends on high frequency, with buses ideally every 20 seconds, and keeping other vehicles out of dedicated lanes. (PHOTO CREDIT: AI)
Importance of Speed and Reliability for BRT Success
A CUMTA official said BRTS will fail if buses cannot maintain good speed or if passengers face delays. The goal is to ensure quick, uninterrupted transit. Dedicated lanes, strict enforcement and efficient bus movement are essential for delivering the expected benefits. (PHOTO CREDIT: AI)
Public Will Shift If Comfort and Reliability Improve
People tend to adopt public transport when it offers comfort, reliability and predictable journey times. These qualities strengthen any mass transit system and must guide BRT design. A well-planned BRT can encourage commuters to switch from private vehicles and choose buses instead. (PHOTO CREDIT: AI)
BRT Must Work as Integrated Transport System
Experts stressed that BRT cannot operate in isolation. It must integrate with metro, suburban rail, walking and cycling facilities. Improving first- and last-mile connectivity, managing mixed traffic and ensuring safe access will help increase ridership. Chennai’s buses already carry the highest commuter share, and a strong BRT system will boost this further. (PHOTO CREDIT: AI)