AC Bus Stop in Chennai @ St. Thomas Mount
You won’t believe what I saw yesterday: An AC Bus Stop in Namma Chennai! Actually there are three bus stops with AC cabins situated next to each other, in the St. Thomas Mount area (right opposite to the upcoming Alandur Metro station). But only the one in the middle is functioning and open to public, currently. When you cross the Guindy junction and start moving towards Tambaram, this bus stop will come on your right hand side.
It seems this AC bus stop has been set up with the help of private sponsorship by the local Cantonment Board. As you can see above, there is a huge advertising board on the top, there are two boards on the side, and there is a TV inside which will run ads in the future (right now, it shows the CCTV footage). Here’s the STAR of the Day: The Air Conditioner installed inside: 🙂
It’s an OGeneral Inverter AC! They have appointed a security guard to take care of this AC Bus Stop which is covered by CCTV surveillance too. It seems this AC facility will be open to public from early morning to 10:00 PM in the night. After that, to avoid unruly elements, they keep it locked. Since I went on a Sunday evening, I found only two people enjoying the AC (which was cool enough, btw). Here they are:
There were a few others in this stop, but they were outside the AC room as they had to catch the bus once it arrives. I guess people nearby/going by this way/stopping to take a bus from here can use this as a resting place, if they have time. Let’s hope this place will be maintained well and be used properly by the public. Maybe if this experiment succeeds, we might get more AC bus stops across the city 🙂
Destination Infinity
Great idea. But will not work in Chennai. People who want to avoid the Chennai hot weather will start taking refuge here. Give about 2 months. That AC along with the CCTV camera will be stolen. This is namma chennai.
Yeah maintenance is crucial for this thing to work. Right now they have put up a security guard and CCTV surveillance cameras. Let’s see how well it’s maintained in the future.
Destination Infinity
AC bus stops are a great idea. A boon for the commuters waiting in the heat.
I guess it’s also useful for people around that area who want to take some rest (If seats are available)!
Destination Infinity
Since passengers may not wait for more than 15 minutes,the provision of AC is a luxury.After sitting in the cool comfort of AC for 10 minute,standing in the over- filled bus that is hot and smelling would be a disquieting contrast. Instead a well maintained bus stand with a roof overhead, tiled floor and comfortable chairs would be greatly welcome.Sponsors can be requested by Transport Corporations to install bus stands to uniform specifications that makes for comfort and easy mobility.
Good point. I agree that the basic bus stops should be upgraded with proper seating, etc.
Destination Infinity
Wow!!! amazing!!! Great way to beat the heat in Chennai, no? Also, if they install one in Tambaram, I am sure it will be jam-packed! 😀
and Private partnership sure sounds great! 🙂
Way to go Chennai! 🙂 ‘Cool’ post there! 🙂
If they install one in Tambaram, it might get too crowded. But the issue is, once people are out of the AC, they’ll have to face the SUN’s HEAT with even more intensity!
Destination Infinity
I agree with SG here. Money is needed in many other spheres. This luxury is not important. Maintenance is expensive and people will steal the a/c and the stablilizer too soon!
Idly shop at least was useful. These shops are sleeping now.
Well it’s just a try, that too by the local body and not the state govt. Let’s see how it goes. Along with the AC, the bus stop has got some nice chairs and a good room to sit — that’s good, no?
Destination Infinity
Yes, I must go and see this place!
Well, it is a great initiative to tackle this scorching heat in Chennai. Let us hail the sponsor for that. It should be maintained well, cleaned then and there. Good that there is no toilet in it 😀
Interesting yet informative post Rajesh!
I too think it’s not that bad an idea — worth a try 🙂
Destination Infinity
I hope they maintain it now..
a lot of good things keep coming up in India but its the maintenance that is a problem .. and also I hope people take care of it toooo … usually people spoil such places with their own stupidity
Bikram’s
Yeah, I guess it’s time for people to become more responsible 🙂
Destination Infinity
There are many bus stops where the basic facility of roof shelter is missing… I think the amount spent to build this one, can be utilized for building 2-3 standard ones.
Like all, I too wish they maintain this facility
Let’s hope for the best. Hopefully, this will inspire them to build better bus stops elsewhere too!
Destination Infinity
This is really awesome.. Anyday Chennai/Tamil Nadu is far better than other states.. In South at least!
If Chennai had the climate of Bangalore, it would’ve been even better. Hmmm… 🙂
Destination Infinity
Nice photo, great Idea.
But I agree with SG.
Yeah, let’s hope it’s maintained well…
Destination Infinity
I read about it and was so happy (and proud) to see the AC bus stops. The biggest problem here is maintenance. Since it’s sponsored by a private org, I hope they do take care of it!
It’s an initiative of the local cantonment board, so let’s hope for the best!
Destination Infinity
Sounds and looks cool! Hope it is maintained well.
Cool indeed. Literally 🙂
Destination Infinity
Much needed for Chennai…
Yeah man, must needed to beat the HEAT and humidity of Chennai 🙂
Destination Infinity
Cool…and namma Bengaluru is closely following chennai…at least in temperature!
Last month I was in Bangalore for 3-4 days and it rained in the evening for almost all the days. Bgl is much cooler than Chn!
Destination Infinity