Talks are under way on a proposal to relocate the Tamil Nadu Secretariat to the old Koyambedu bus terminus area in Chennai, according to information that has emerged.
The Koyambedu suburban bus terminus was opened in 2002 on about 36 acres at a cost of Rs 103 crore. From here, buses operated to Puducherry and the neighbouring states of Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, besides several districts within Tamil Nadu. A city bus terminus was also set up outside the suburban facility, with services to Chennai as well as Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur districts.
During the previous DMK government, a new bus terminus was built at Kilambakkam as an alternative to Koyambedu. Following that, the CMDA had planned a commercial complex and a multi-purpose centre at the Koyambedu site.
With the current TVK government in office, the commercial plan is said to be under reconsideration, and a new Secretariat is being explored instead. A senior government official said the existing Secretariat faces growing space constraints, limited parking for officials and staff, and delays due to traffic congestion.
Some IAS officers have reportedly suggested to the Chief Minister that the old terminus could be redeveloped as the Secretariat, citing proximity to residential areas such as Arumbakkam, Nerkundram and Virugambakkam, and connectivity for visitors via buses and the Metro. If approved by the Chief Minister, an announcement could figure in the Budget, with the cost estimated at up to Rs 350 crore.
