Route 101 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Route Number | 101 (MTC Chennai) |
| From | Thiruvottiyur (Ajax Bus Depot) |
| To | Poonamallee Terminus |
| Route Corridor | Via Tondiarpet, Royapuram, Chennai Beach, Parrys Corner, High Court, Central, Egmore, Arumbakkam, Maduravoyal, Vanagaram |
| Distance | 34.1 kilometres (one of the longer cross-city routes in Chennai) |
| Total Stops | 53 stops |
| Approx Journey Time | 110 to 120 minutes (end to end) |
| Daily Trips (one-way) | 8 trips per day from each end |
| First Bus from Thiruvottiyur | 5:10 AM |
| Last Bus from Thiruvottiyur | 5:53 PM |
| First Bus from Poonamallee | 7:00 AM |
| Last Bus from Poonamallee | 7:58 PM |
| Bus Frequency | Approximately every 12 minutes during operating hours; 45 buses in total fleet on this route |
| Operating Days | All 7 days including Sundays and public holidays |
| Bus Type | Ordinary and Express service |
| AC Bus Available? | No. Route 101 does not operate any AC bus variant |
| Starting Fare | Rs 8 (Express minimum) |
| Number of Fare Stages | 12 |
| Night Service | Route 101NS operates a night service variant on the same corridor with 63 stops and 5 trips per day from each end |
| Why This Route Matters | One of the very few direct bus routes connecting Thiruvottiyur (North Chennai industrial area) to Poonamallee (West Chennai) via the city centre |
Route 101 is a cross-city workhorse, connecting Chennai’s industrial northeast at Thiruvottiyur to the western suburb of Poonamallee in a single journey. Unusually for a long-distance city route, it passes through the heart of the city, touching Chennai Beach, Parrys Corner, the High Court, Chennai Central station, and Egmore before heading west through Arumbakkam and Maduravoyal. This makes it equally useful for commuters from both ends of the city who need access to the commercial centre.
Operating Schedule and Timings
Complete Timetable from Thiruvottiyur to Poonamallee
| Trip Number | Departure from Thiruvottiyur | Approx Arrival at Poonamallee |
| 1 (First Bus) | 5:10 AM | 7:04 AM |
| 2 | 5:40 AM | 7:34 AM |
| 3 | 9:00 AM | 10:54 AM |
| 4 | 9:38 AM | 11:32 AM |
| 5 | 1:04 PM | 3:00 PM |
| 6 | 1:43 PM | 3:37 PM |
| 7 | 5:14 PM | 7:08 PM |
| 8 (Last Bus) | 5:53 PM | 7:47 PM |
Complete Timetable from Poonamallee to Thiruvottiyur
| Trip Number | Departure from Poonamallee | Approx Arrival at Thiruvottiyur |
| 1 (First Bus) | 7:00 AM | 8:54 AM |
| 2 | 7:38 AM | 9:32 AM |
| 3 | 11:00 AM | 12:54 PM |
| 4 | 11:38 AM | 1:32 PM |
| 5 | 3:01 PM | 4:55 PM |
| 6 | 3:40 PM | 5:34 PM |
| 7 | 7:00 PM | 8:54 PM |
| 8 (Last Bus) | 7:58 PM | 9:52 PM |
Important scheduling note: Route 101 runs only 8 trips per day from each end, which is significantly fewer than most MTC routes of similar importance. Buses are not evenly spaced throughout the day. There are noticeable gaps, particularly between early morning and mid-morning trips, and between midday and evening trips. Plan your journey carefully using the timetable above.
Weekly Schedule
| Day | First Bus (Thiruvottiyur) | Last Bus (Thiruvottiyur) | First Bus (Poonamallee) | Last Bus (Poonamallee) |
| Monday | 5:10 AM | 5:53 PM | 7:00 AM | 7:58 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:10 AM | 5:53 PM | 7:00 AM | 7:58 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:10 AM | 5:53 PM | 7:00 AM | 7:58 PM |
| Thursday | 5:10 AM | 5:53 PM | 7:00 AM | 7:58 PM |
| Friday | 5:10 AM | 5:53 PM | 7:00 AM | 7:58 PM |
| Saturday | 5:10 AM | 5:53 PM | 7:00 AM | 7:58 PM |
| Sunday | 5:45 AM | 10:00 PM | 5:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
Journey Time Between Major Stops
| From | To | Approx Time |
| Thiruvottiyur | Toll Gate Bus Depot (Tondiarpet) | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Thiruvottiyur | Royapuram | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Thiruvottiyur | Chennai Beach | 28 to 35 minutes |
| Thiruvottiyur | Parrys Corner | 30 to 38 minutes |
| Thiruvottiyur | Chennai Central | 38 to 48 minutes |
| Thiruvottiyur | Arumbakkam | 55 to 70 minutes |
| Thiruvottiyur | Maduravoyal | 75 to 90 minutes |
| Thiruvottiyur | Poonamallee | 110 to 120 minutes |
| Poonamallee | Maduravoyal | 18 to 25 minutes |
| Poonamallee | Arumbakkam | 35 to 45 minutes |
| Poonamallee | Parrys Corner | 75 to 90 minutes |
| Poonamallee | Thiruvottiyur | 110 to 120 minutes |
Speed advisory: The average peak-time speed on Route 101 is approximately 18 km per hour due to heavy traffic at key pinch points including Royapuram, Parrys Corner, Egmore, and Aminjikarai. Add at least 20 to 30 minutes to journey time estimates during morning peak hours (8 AM to 10 AM) and evening peak hours (5 PM to 8 PM).
All 53 Stops on Route 101 with Landmarks and Local Context
Route 101 travels across three distinct zones of Chennai: the industrial north (Thiruvottiyur to Tondiarpet), the historic city centre (Royapuram to Egmore), and the western residential and suburban belt (Arumbakkam to Poonamallee). Each zone has its own character, and the route gives passengers a vivid cross-section of Chennai’s geography.
Zone 1: North Chennai Industrial Belt (Stops 1 to 9)
This section of the route covers Chennai’s industrial northeast, from the Thiruvottiyur harbour area down through Tondiarpet to the Toll Gate depot.
Stop 1: Thiruvottiyur (Terminus / Ajax Bus Depot)
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Northern terminus at the Ajax Bus Depot in Thiruvottiyur |
| About Thiruvottiyur | A major industrial and residential suburb in North Chennai, situated on the Coromandel Coast near the Ennore Port area. One of Chennai’s oldest settlements with a significant Tamil history |
| Key landmarks | Ajax Bus Depot (MTC), Thiruvottiyur Railway Station (suburban rail), Thiruvottiyur Thyagaraja Swamy Temple (one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, significant Shaivite shrine), Ennore Port (nearby) |
| Railway connection | Thiruvottiyur Railway Station on the Chennai Beach to Arakkonam line |
| Industrial note | Thiruvottiyur is home to major industrial plants including CPCL (Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited), Manali Petrochemicals, and a concentration of manufacturing units |
| Tip | Board at this terminus for best chance of a seat for the long journey south |
Stop 2: Vellayan Chettiyar School
| Category | Details |
| What it is | School landmark stop within Thiruvottiyur town |
| Key landmarks | Vellayan Chettiyar School, local residential areas of Thiruvottiyur |
Stop 3: Thiruvottiyur Market
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Main market area of Thiruvottiyur town |
| Key landmarks | Thiruvottiyur Market (local fish and vegetable market), shops and commercial establishments |
| Note | This stretch of Thiruvottiyur is busy early morning with market activity and vendors |
Stop 4: Theradi
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Residential locality within Thiruvottiyur approaching Tondiarpet |
| Key landmarks | Local residential areas, approaching the Ennore Expressway access |
Stop 5: Raja Kadai
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Locality named after a well-known local shop or trader (Raja Kadai means Raja Shop) |
| Key landmarks | Local commercial establishments, transitional stop between Thiruvottiyur and Tondiarpet |
Stop 6: Ellaiamman Kovil
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Temple landmark stop named after a local Ellaiamman temple |
| Key landmarks | Ellaiamman Temple, North Chennai residential area |
| Note | Ellaiamman (boundary goddess) temples are common neighbourhood temples across Chennai. This one serves as an important local landmark in this area |
Stop 7: Kaladi Pet
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Residential area stop approaching Tondiarpet |
| Key landmarks | Kalaipet (Kaladi Pet) residential colony, North Chennai lanes |
Stop 8: Thangal
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Locality stop on the Thiruvottiyur to Tondiarpet corridor |
| Key landmarks | Thangal area residential blocks, approaching Tondiarpet |
Stop 9: Toll Gate Bus Depot
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Major interchange stop at Tondiarpet Toll Gate where MTC has a depot |
| Key landmarks | Toll Gate Bus Depot (Tondiarpet), Tondiarpet police station, Tondiarpet market |
| Connections | Multiple MTC bus routes originate from and pass through the Toll Gate depot area, including buses to Broadway, Perambur, and North Chennai localities |
| Note | The Toll Gate at Tondiarpet was historically the northern entry checkpoint into Madras city. The area retains the name though the physical toll gate is long gone |
Zone 2: City Centre Traverse (Stops 10 to 27)
This is the most historically and commercially significant section of Route 101, passing through Chennai’s greatest landmarks. Passengers travelling this stretch get an unparalleled view of the city’s heritage core.
Stop 10: Anna Nagar (Tondiarpet area)
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Residential area within the Tondiarpet locality (note: different from the larger Anna Nagar in West Chennai) |
| Key landmarks | Anna Nagar residential colony in Tondiarpet, local schools and shops |
| Note | This stop refers to a smaller Anna Nagar locality within Tondiarpet, not the large Anna Nagar township in North West Chennai |
Stop 11: Swallows
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Locality stop in the Tondiarpet area named after a local institution or landmark |
| Key landmarks | Swallows area, approaching Nagara Thottam in Tondiarpet |
Stop 12: N4 Police Station
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Police station landmark stop in Tondiarpet |
| Key landmarks | N4 Police Station (Tondiarpet Police Station), Tondiarpet residential area |
| Note | Chennai’s police stations use an alphanumeric system for North, South, East, West zones. N4 designates the 4th precinct in North Chennai |
Stop 13: Nagara Thottam
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Residential area in Tondiarpet approaching Kalmandapam |
| Key landmarks | Nagara Thottam (City Garden) area, transitional zone between Tondiarpet and Royapuram |
Stop 14: Kalaimagal Vidyalaya
| Category | Details |
| What it is | School landmark stop approaching Royapuram |
| Key landmarks | Kalaimagal Vidyalaya School, approaching Kalmandapam junction |
Stop 15: Kalmandapam
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Important junction stop connecting Tondiarpet to Royapuram |
| Key landmarks | Kalmandapam junction, access to Washermanpet and Perambur Road, local bus interchange |
| Connections | Access to Washermanpet area, George Town roads, multiple local buses |
Stop 16: Royapuram
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Historic fishing and residential area, one of Chennai’s oldest inhabited zones |
| About Royapuram | Royapuram (Raja Puram, meaning King’s Town) is one of Chennai’s oldest areas. The Royapuram Railway Station was India’s first railway station, opened in 1856 |
| Key landmarks | Royapuram Railway Station (India’s first railway terminus), St Mary’s Church Royapuram (historic 1878 church), Royapuram Fishing Harbour (active fishing community), Royapuram Police Station |
| Historical significance | Royapuram Station on Park Town is where India’s first railway journey departed from on June 1, 1853, running to Arcot (Arkonam). The Royapuram terminus itself dates to 1856. A visit to the restored station building is a piece of living railway history |
| Railway connection | Royapuram Railway Station on the suburban rail network |
Stop 17: Clive Battery
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Colonial-era landmark stop approaching Chennai Beach |
| About Clive Battery | Named after the historic battery (fortification) built by the British East India Company near the waterfront. Robert Clive’s presence in this area during the 18th century gave the locality its name |
| Key landmarks | Historic waterfront area, Chennai Port road, approaching Chennai Beach |
| Historical note | This stretch between Royapuram and Chennai Beach was the heart of colonial-era maritime Madras, with warehouses, fortifications, and trading posts lining the waterfront |
Stop 18: Chennai Beach
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Major railway terminus and seafront area, one of Chennai’s most significant transport hubs |
| Key landmarks | Chennai Beach Railway Station (southern terminus of the suburban railway network), Marina Beach approach, Annai Indira Gandhi Road (beach road), MRTS Beach Station |
| Railway connection | Chennai Beach is the terminal station for both the Chennai Suburban Railway network and the MRTS. From here, suburban trains run to Tambaram, Chengalpet, and Arakkonam |
| Marina Beach access | The northern end of Marina Beach is a short walk from this stop, with the beach road running parallel |
| Connections | Chennai Beach Railway Station (suburban rail), MRTS Beach Station, buses to Fort, Triplicane, Adyar |
Stop 19: Parrys Corner
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Chennai’s most important commercial junction, historically the city’s financial heart |
| About Parrys Corner | Named after the Parry and Company trading house, Parrys Corner has been Chennai’s commercial hub since the 18th century. It is where many major MTC bus routes originate and terminate |
| Key landmarks | Parry’s Corner junction, Dare House (Parry’s headquarters), NSB Building, High Court approaching, George Town wholesale market area, Chennai Port Trust |
| MTC terminus | Parrys Corner (also called Broadway) is MTC’s largest bus terminus in Chennai, from where buses depart to virtually every part of the city |
| Connections | Broadway MTC terminus, Chennai Beach Railway (short walk), multiple city bus routes, access to George Town wholesale markets |
Stop 20: High Court
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Iconic Indo-Saracenic heritage building and active High Court of Judicature at Madras |
| About the High Court | The Madras High Court building, built in 1892, is one of India’s finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture and the second largest court building in the world after the UK’s Royal Courts of Justice |
| Key landmarks | Madras High Court (UNESCO-recognized heritage building), Fort St George (300 metres away), Rajaji Hall |
| Historical note | The High Court faces the Bay of Bengal. The iconic red and white building with its lighthouse tower is a defining image of Chennai’s skyline from the sea |
Stop 21: Chennai Fort Railway Station
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Suburban railway station adjacent to Fort St George |
| Key landmarks | Fort Railway Station, Fort St George (India’s first English fortress, built 1644), State Legislature Building (inside Fort), St Mary’s Church Fort (India’s oldest Anglican church, 1680) |
| Railway connection | Fort Railway Station on Chennai suburban network |
| Heritage note | Fort St George is a must-visit heritage site. The fort museum contains artifacts from the colonial era including Clive’s sword and the original charter granted by the East India Company |
Stop 22: Chennai Central
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Chennai’s premier intercity railway terminus and one of India’s busiest stations |
| About Chennai Central | MGR Chennai Central (named after actor-politician M G Ramachandran) is the main intercity railway station for Chennai, connecting to all major Indian cities. The station building (1873) is another masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture |
| Key landmarks | MGR Chennai Central Railway Station, Chennai Metro Phase 1 Central Station (underground), Chennai Suburban Rail network, Post Office, Higginbotham’s bookstore (India’s oldest) |
| Railway connections | Intercity trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and all major cities; Metro Phase 1 Line 1 (Blue Line) Chennai Central Station; Suburban rail network |
| Tip | If you are catching a train from Central, allow extra time as traffic around Chennai Central is consistently congested, especially in the evening |
Stop 23: Park Station
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Suburban railway station at the junction of Park Town, adjacent to Egmore |
| Key landmarks | Park Town Railway Station, Government Estate, Rajaji Salai, Madras General Hospital (approaching) |
| Railway connection | Park Town Station on the Chennai suburban rail network |
Stop 24: Hotel Everest
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Hotel landmark stop in the Egmore area |
| Key landmarks | Hotel Everest, Egmore commercial area, approaching Egmore Railway Station |
Stop 25: Thinathanthi
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Media landmark stop named after the Tamil daily newspaper Dina Thanthi |
| Key landmarks | Dina Thanthi newspaper offices (one of Tamil Nadu’s largest circulation dailies), Egmore area commercial zone |
Stop 26: Dasaprakash
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Hotel and commercial landmark stop in Egmore |
| Key landmarks | Hotel Dasaprakash (landmark Egmore hotel), Egmore Museum approaching, Pantheon Road |
| Cultural note | Egmore has a concentration of budget hotels serving railway passengers from Chennai Egmore Station. The area is also home to the Government Museum complex, one of India’s oldest public museums |
Stop 27: KMC Hospital
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Hospital landmark stop in the Egmore to Kilpauk transition zone |
| Key landmarks | Kilpauk Medical College (KMC) Hospital, one of Chennai’s prominent government teaching hospitals |
| Healthcare note | KMC Hospital is a major public hospital providing tertiary care. The medical college attached to it is one of Tamil Nadu’s reputed government medical institutions |
Zone 3: Mid-City Transition (Stops 28 to 38)
From Taylors Road onward, the route transitions from the historic city core into the western mid-city areas, passing through Aminjikarai, Arumbakkam, and Koyambedu-adjacent localities.
Stop 28: Taylors Road
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Important road junction in Kilpauk connecting to multiple residential and commercial areas |
| Key landmarks | Taylors Road junction, Kilpauk residential area, approaching Aminjikarai |
| Commuter note | Several passengers on Route 101 have noted that the bus does not always stop at Taylors Road consistently. If Taylors Road is your destination, alert the conductor early |
Stop 29: Aminjikarai Toll Gate
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Major junction at Aminjikarai approaching the Ampa Skywalk and Anna Nagar area |
| Key landmarks | Aminjikarai junction, approaching Ampa Skywalk Mall, Aminjikarai market, Sterling Road area |
| Connections | Access to Sterling Road, Chetpet, Nungambakkam from this junction via connecting buses or autos |
Stop 30: Arun Hotel and Ampa Skywalk
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Shopping mall landmark stop at the Anna Nagar and Aminjikarai border |
| Key landmarks | Ampa Skywalk Mall (multi-level shopping centre), Arun Hotel (commercial area), Arch junction approaching |
| Shopping | Ampa Skywalk is one of Chennai’s major malls, popular for shopping, dining, and multiplexes serving the Anna Nagar and Kilpauk areas |
Stop 31: NSK Nagar and Arumbakkam
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Key residential area junction between Anna Nagar and Arumbakkam |
| Key landmarks | NSK Nagar (N S Krishnan Nagar), Arumbakkam market approaching, access to Anna Nagar East |
Stop 32: DG Vaishnava College
| Category | Details |
| What it is | College landmark stop in Arumbakkam |
| Key landmarks | DG Vaishnava College (arts and science college), Arumbakkam residential area |
Stops 33 and 34: Arumbakkam Post Office and Arumbakkam
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Main Arumbakkam area stops, a significant residential locality |
| Key landmarks | Arumbakkam Post Office, Arumbakkam main junction, local market |
| About Arumbakkam | Arumbakkam is a densely populated residential locality with a busy market, popular with middle-income families. It connects to Anna Nagar, Koyambedu, and Vadapalani |
Stop 35: Rohini Theatre
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Cinema landmark stop in Arumbakkam |
| Key landmarks | Rohini Theatre, local commercial area of Arumbakkam |
Stop 36: Mettukulam
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Residential area between Arumbakkam and Nerkundram |
| Key landmarks | Mettukulam area, transitional residential zone approaching Nerkundram |
Stop 37: Nerkundram
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Residential and commercial locality approaching Maduravoyal |
| Key landmarks | Nerkundram area, approaching the Maduravoyal bypass junction |
| Note | Nerkundram sits at the junction where Chennai’s urban fabric begins transitioning toward the Maduravoyal semi-rural stretch |
Stop 38: Vengaya Mandi
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Wholesale vegetable market area on the approach to Maduravoyal |
| About Vengaya Mandi | Vengaya Mandi means Onion Market in Tamil. This area is known for its wholesale vegetable trade, particularly onions. Traders from across South Chennai source produce here |
| Key landmarks | Wholesale vegetable market, local traders, approaching Maduravoyal stretch |
Zone 4: Maduravoyal and Western Approach (Stops 39 to 53)
The final zone of Route 101 covers the Maduravoyal stretch and the western suburbs approaching Poonamallee. This section has a more peri-urban character compared to the city core.
Stops 39 to 42: Maduravoyal Area
| Category | Details |
| Stops covered | Maduravoyal Ration Shop, Maduravoyal Post Office, Maduravoyal Market, Maduravoyal Arikari |
| What Maduravoyal is | A large peri-urban locality at the junction of the Chennai Bypass Road and the Inner Ring Road, historically a separate village now absorbed into Chennai’s urban expansion |
| Key landmarks | Maduravoyal Market, local ration shops, approaching the Chennai Bypass Road (NH 4 / NH 48 bypass junction area) |
| Infrastructure note | The Chennai Bypass Road (Ennore Expressway extension) passes through Maduravoyal, making it an important road junction for freight and long-distance traffic |
| Connectivity | Maduravoyal gives access to Pattabiram, Thiruninravur, and the northern approach to Porur and NH 48 |
Stop 43: Jesus Hall
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Christian institution landmark stop in the Maduravoyal area |
| Key landmarks | Jesus Hall (Christian institution or church), local residential areas |
Stop 44: Vanagaram
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Growing suburban locality between Maduravoyal and Poonamallee |
| About Vanagaram | Vanagaram has seen rapid residential development in recent years due to its connectivity to Poonamallee, Porur, and the Outer Ring Road. Affordable to mid-range apartments are numerous here |
| Key landmarks | Vanagaram junction, access to Moulivakkam, approaching Velappanchavadi |
| Real estate note | Vanagaram is one of West Chennai’s emerging real estate markets with good Outer Ring Road connectivity |
Stop 45: Kumar Theatre
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Cinema landmark stop between Vanagaram and Velappanchavadi |
| Key landmarks | Kumar Theatre (local cinema), Vanagaram commercial strip |
Stop 46: Maduravoyal Earikarai
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Lake-side locality stop (Earikarai means lakeside in Tamil) |
| Key landmarks | Maduravoyal Lake (Eari) area, residential colonies on the lake periphery |
| Ecological note | Maduravoyal has a water body that, like many Chennai lakes, has faced encroachment pressures. Restoration efforts have been undertaken periodically by the Greater Chennai Corporation |
Stop 47: Velappanchavadi
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Large residential suburb on the Poonamallee approach road |
| About Velappanchavadi | Velappanchavadi is a major residential area with strong connectivity to both Poonamallee and the Outer Ring Road. Several apartment complexes have come up here in the past decade |
| Key landmarks | Velappanchavadi local market, residential apartment complexes, approaching ACS Medical College |
Stop 48: ACS Medical College
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Medical college landmark stop on the Poonamallee approach |
| Key landmarks | ACS Medical College and Hospital, medical students residential area, Karayanchavadi approaching |
| Healthcare note | ACS (Aarupadai Veedu Medical College) is a private medical college offering MBBS and postgraduate medical programmes |
Stop 49: Saveetha Hospital
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Hospital landmark stop on the Poonamallee road |
| Key landmarks | Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha University campus |
| Healthcare and education | Saveetha is a private university known for its dental and medical colleges. The hospital serves patients from across the Poonamallee belt |
Stop 50: Karayanchavadi
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Residential locality between Velappanchavadi and Poonamallee |
| Key landmarks | Karayanchavadi village area, residential blocks, approaching Poonamallee |
Stop 51: Kallarai
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Locality stop on the final approach to Poonamallee |
| Key landmarks | Kallarai area, Poonamallee High Road approach |
Stop 52: Poonamallee Government Hospital
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Government hospital landmark stop at the entrance to Poonamallee town |
| Key landmarks | Poonamallee Government Hospital (Taluk Hospital), Poonamallee town centre approaching |
| Healthcare note | The Poonamallee Government Hospital serves the entire Poonamallee taluk and surrounding areas. It is a primary referral hospital for the region |
Stop 53: Poonamallee (Terminus)
| Category | Details |
| What it is | Western terminus of Route 101, a major bus interchange town in West Chennai |
| About Poonamallee | Poonamallee is one of the oldest towns in the Chennai region, historically a military cantonment area. Today it is a busy suburban town on the Chennai to Bangalore (NH 48) highway |
| Key landmarks | Poonamallee Bus Terminus, Poonamallee market, Poonamallee Fort (colonial-era ruins), proximity to Sriperumbudur (birthplace of Sri Ramanujacharya), access to the Outer Ring Road |
| Highway access | Poonamallee sits on NH 48 (Chennai to Bengaluru highway), making it a key stopover for highway traffic |
| Connections | Buses to Koyambedu, Sriperumbudur, Porur, Guindy, Thirumangalam, Avadi from Poonamallee Terminus; access to Chennai Outer Ring Road |
| Tip | Board at Poonamallee terminus for best seat availability. This is particularly important given the long 110-minute journey to Thiruvottiyur |
Route 101 Variants
| Route | From | To | Stops | Key Difference |
| 101 (Main) | Thiruvottiyur Ajax Depot | Poonamallee Terminus | 53 stops | Full route as described in this guide |
| 101NS (Night Service) | Poonamallee Terminus | Thiruvottiyur Ajax Depot | 63 stops | Night service variant with more stops; 5 trips per day. First bus from Poonamallee at 1:50 AM, last at 10:00 PM. First bus from Thiruvottiyur at 3:40 AM, last at 11:50 PM |
| 101 (Broadway variant) | Poonamallee Terminus | Broadway | 50 stops, ~59 minutes | Terminates at Broadway instead of continuing to Thiruvottiyur. Useful for passengers heading to Parrys and Broadway commercial area |
Bus Fare Chart for Route 101
Route 101 operates Ordinary and Express services. The fare includes a cess of Rs 1. Starting fare is Rs 8 for Express service.
| Stage | Ordinary (Rs) | Express (Rs) | Deluxe (Rs) | Night Service (Rs) |
| 1 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 10 |
| 2 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 12 |
| 3 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 14 |
| 4 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 16 |
| 5 | 10 | 14 | 20 | 18 |
| 6 | 11 | 16 | 22 | 20 |
| 7 | 12 | 17 | 24 | 22 |
| 8 | 13 | 19 | 26 | 24 |
| 9 | 14 | 20 | 28 | 26 |
| 10 | 15 | 22 | 30 | 28 |
| 11 to 12 (Full route) | 16 | 23 | 32 | 30 |
Practical fare guide for Route 101:
- Thiruvottiyur to Royapuram (short hop): Rs 6 to Rs 8
- Thiruvottiyur to Chennai Central (mid journey): Rs 10 to Rs 14
- Thiruvottiyur to Arumbakkam: Rs 13 to Rs 17
- Thiruvottiyur to Poonamallee (full route, 34.1 km): Rs 16 to Rs 23
- Monthly passes: Available at Thiruvottiyur and Poonamallee depots. The MTC unlimited monthly pass (Rs 2,000) launched in March 2025 covers Route 101
Interchange and Connectivity Guide
| Stop | Connect To | Mode | Destination |
| Thiruvottiyur | Thiruvottiyur Railway Station | Southern Railway | Chennai Beach, Arakkonam, Ennore |
| Toll Gate (Tondiarpet) | Multiple MTC routes | MTC buses | Perambur, Vyasarpadi, Broadway |
| Royapuram | Royapuram Railway Station | Southern Railway | Chennai Beach, Perambur direction |
| Chennai Beach | Chennai Beach Railway Station | Southern Railway | Tambaram, Chengalpet, Arakkonam |
| Chennai Beach | MRTS Beach Station | MRTS Rail | Velachery via Fort, Park Town, Saidapet |
| Parrys Corner | Broadway Bus Terminus | MTC buses | All parts of Chennai |
| High Court | Walking distance to Fort | On foot | Fort St George, State Legislature |
| Chennai Central | MGR Chennai Central | Intercity Rail | Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, all major cities |
| Chennai Central | Chennai Metro | Metro Rail | Koyambedu, Airport (Blue Line) |
| Park Town | Park Town Railway Station | Southern Railway | Suburban trains |
| Aminjikarai | Autos and buses | Local transport | Chetpet, Nungambakkam, Kilpauk |
| Ampa Skywalk | Connecting MTC routes | MTC buses | Anna Nagar, Koyambedu, Vadapalani |
| Arumbakkam | Connecting MTC routes | MTC buses | Anna Nagar East, Koyambedu Market |
| Vanagaram | Autos | Local transport | Outer Ring Road, Porur, Moulivakkam |
| Poonamallee | Poonamallee Terminus | MTC buses | Koyambedu, Guindy, Porur, Sriperumbudur, Avadi |
Heritage and Landmark Highlights on Route 101
Route 101 is one of Chennai’s most heritage-rich bus routes. The city centre section between Royapuram and Egmore passes through a concentration of historically significant buildings and sites unmatched by almost any other route in the MTC network.
| Landmark | Near Stop | Significance |
| Thiruvottiyur Thyagaraja Temple | Thiruvottiyur | Ancient Shaivite temple, one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams sung by Tamil saint poets Appar and Sundarar |
| Royapuram Railway Station | Royapuram | India’s first railway terminus, opened 1856. Heritage building, now a protected monument |
| Madras High Court | High Court stop | Built 1892, Indo-Saracenic masterpiece; second largest court complex in the world by area |
| Fort St George | Chennai Fort stop | India’s first English fortress, built 1644 by the East India Company; contains St Mary’s Church (1680), India’s oldest Anglican church |
| MGR Chennai Central Station | Chennai Central | Main intercity terminus, built 1873 in Indo-Saracenic style; named after actor-politician M G Ramachandran |
| Egmore Museum | Dasaprakash area | Government Museum (1851), one of India’s oldest public museums with an exceptional bronzes gallery |
| KMC Hospital Heritage Campus | KMC Hospital | Historic government medical institution in operation since colonial era |
| Poonamallee Fort Ruins | Poonamallee | Colonial-era fortification ruins, historical military cantonment site |
| Saveetha University | Saveetha Hospital | Private university campus with dental and medical colleges |
| ACS Medical College | ACS Medical College | Private medical institution serving the Poonamallee region |
Who Uses Route 101
The Cross-City Commuter
Route 101 is primarily used by people who need to travel across Chennai without changing buses. The direct connection between Thiruvottiyur and Poonamallee via the city centre is unique. Industrial workers from the Ennore-Thiruvottiyur belt heading to businesses in Arumbakkam or Poonamallee find this route invaluable.
City Centre Users
The route’s passage through Parrys Corner, High Court, Chennai Central, and Egmore makes it useful for lawyers heading to the High Court, traders at the George Town wholesale market, railway passengers at Central, and government employees in Egmore.
Healthcare Commuters
Both ends of Route 101 have significant healthcare infrastructure. KMC Hospital in Kilpauk, Poonamallee Government Hospital, Saveetha Hospital, and ACS Medical College generate substantial daily ridership from patients, hospital staff, and medical students.
Students
DG Vaishnava College in Arumbakkam, ACS Medical College, Saveetha University, and various schools along the route contribute to student ridership, particularly in the morning and early afternoon.
Traveller Tips for Route 101
Plan Around the Limited Timetable
- With only 8 trips per day from each end, missing a bus means a long wait. Study the timetable carefully before travel
- Gaps of 3 to 4 hours exist between some trips (for example, between the 9:38 AM and 1:04 PM departures from Thiruvottiyur). Carry water and plan accordingly
- The last bus from Thiruvottiyur is at 5:53 PM and from Poonamallee at 7:58 PM. Do not miss these if you need the full route
Night Service Option
- If you need to travel this corridor after 8 PM, Route 101NS (night service) operates on the same route with 5 trips per day from each end
- The 101NS first bus from Poonamallee starts as early as 1:50 AM, making it an option for very early morning travel
- The 101NS terminates at 11:50 PM from Thiruvottiyur and 10:00 PM from Poonamallee
The Peak Time Speed Warning
- Average speed on Route 101 during peak hours is only 18 km per hour. For a 34.1 km route this means the journey can stretch well beyond 2 hours during morning and evening peaks
- If you are travelling between Thiruvottiyur and Chennai Central (approximately halfway), consider the suburban railway as a faster alternative during peak hours
- For Poonamallee to Arumbakkam or Koyambedu, consider Route 109 or other West Chennai routes as alternatives
Boarding Strategy
- Board at Thiruvottiyur terminus for guaranteed seating for the long journey
- Board at Poonamallee terminus for guaranteed seating going east
- Parrys Corner (Broadway) is a mid-route boarding opportunity if you are coming from the George Town area heading toward either terminus
Bus Tracking
- Use the MTC official website at mtcbus.tn.gov.in for current schedules and route information
- Contact MTC customer care for real-time bus location information
- The TownBus app and Chennai Travel Route Map app support MTC route information
About MTC Chennai
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Limited |
| Fleet size | Approximately 3,376 buses including 255 electric buses as of 2024-25 |
| Daily passengers | Over 12 lakh (1.2 million) passengers per day |
| Total routes | 662 routes covering Chennai and surrounding areas |
| Monthly pass | Rs 2,000 unlimited monthly pass launched March 2025, valid on all MTC services |
| Official website | mtcbus.tn.gov.in |
| Complaint registration | Available at mtcbus.tn.gov.in or at any MTC depot |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Route 101 run only 8 trips per day?
Route 101 covers 34.1 kilometres with 53 stops, making it one of the longer routes in the MTC network. At an average speed of 18 km per hour during peak hours, a single one-way trip takes about 110 to 120 minutes. With 45 buses assigned to this route, the number of achievable daily trips per direction is limited by the sheer length of the journey. Passengers needing to travel partial sections of this route at higher frequency can consider connecting buses at major interchange points like Broadway, Chennai Central, or Arumbakkam.
Is there a night bus on the Thiruvottiyur to Poonamallee corridor?
Yes. Route 101NS is the night service variant operating on the same Thiruvottiyur to Poonamallee corridor. It has 63 stops and runs 5 trips per day from each end. The earliest bus from Poonamallee departs at 1:50 AM and the last bus departs at 10:00 PM. From Thiruvottiyur, the first bus is at 3:40 AM and the last at 11:50 PM.
Does Route 101 stop at Broadway?
The main Route 101 passes through and stops at Parrys Corner, which is adjacent to Broadway. A separate variant of Route 101 terminates at Broadway itself, running from Poonamallee with 50 stops and a journey time of approximately 59 minutes. This Broadway variant is useful for passengers heading specifically to the Broadway bus terminus area.
Can I use Route 101 to reach Chennai Central station from Thiruvottiyur?
Yes. Chennai Central is Stop 22 on Route 101, approximately 38 to 48 minutes from Thiruvottiyur under normal traffic. However, if you are catching a train, it is strongly advisable to add a buffer of at least 30 minutes as peak-hour traffic on this route is significant. The suburban railway from Thiruvottiyur Railway Station to Chennai Central via Royapuram is a faster alternative during peak hours.
How long does the full journey from Thiruvottiyur to Poonamallee take?
The end-to-end journey is approximately 110 to 120 minutes (about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours) under normal traffic conditions. During peak hours this can extend to 2 hours 30 minutes or more. The 34.1 kilometre route at an average of 18 km per hour peak speed accounts for this long journey time.
Does Route 101 have an AC bus?
No. Route 101 does not operate any air-conditioned bus variant. The route runs Ordinary and Express services only.
What is the best way to reach Maduravoyal from Thiruvottiyur?
Route 101 is one of the few direct bus options for this journey, stopping at multiple Maduravoyal stops including Maduravoyal Ration Shop, Post Office, Market, and Arikari. Journey time from Thiruvottiyur to Maduravoyal is approximately 75 to 90 minutes. An alternative is to take a bus to Koyambedu or Arumbakkam and then connect to Maduravoyal from there.
How do I complain about Route 101 service?
Complaints about Route 101 can be registered at the MTC official website at mtcbus.tn.gov.in, at the Thiruvottiyur depot or Poonamallee depot in person, or through the MTC customer care number. Note the bus number displayed on the vehicle, the date, time, and stop for the most effective resolution.
Useful Links and Resources
- MTC Official Website: mtcbus.tn.gov.in
- Alternate bus tracking: TownBus app and Chennai Travel Route Map app support MTC route information
- Night service: Route 101NS operates the same corridor after hours
- Broadway variant: A Route 101 variant terminates at Broadway for central city access
- Monthly pass: Rs 2,000 unlimited MTC pass available at Poonamallee and Thiruvottiyur depots
- Complaint registration: mtcbus.tn.gov.in portal or any MTC depot
Last updated: March 2026. MTC may change route timings, stops, and fares without notice. Always verify current information with MTC Chennai before travel.