Route 71E at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Route Number | 71E (MTC Chennai) |
| From | Broadway (Pallavan Salai), Central Chennai |
| To | Thirunindravur Bus Depot, Thiruvallur District |
| Route Corridor | Via Ratan Bazar, Park Town, Chennai Central, Dasaprakash, Taylors Road, Kilpauk Garden, KMC Hospital, VOC Nagar, Rail Museum, Gandhi Nagar, ICF Annexe, Nathamuni Talkies, TVS Lucas (Padi), Ambattur ITI, Ambattur Estate, Dunlop, Ambattur OT, Thirumullaivoyal, Polytechnic, Avadi Circle, Kavaraipalayam, Pattabiram, Nemilicheri |
| Distance | Approximately 33.3 kilometres |
| Total Named Stops | 18 named stops (actual stops approximately 52 per direction) |
| Journey Time (end to end) | Approximately 60 to 75 minutes |
| Daily Trips from Broadway | Approximately 51 trips per day |
| Daily Trips from Thirunindravur | Approximately 52 trips per day |
| First Bus from Broadway | 5:30 AM |
| Last Bus from Broadway | 8:50 PM |
| First Bus from Thirunindravur | 5:35 AM |
| Last Bus from Thirunindravur | 8:20 PM |
| Frequency | Approximately every 16 to 18 minutes |
| Operating Days | All 7 days including Sundays and public holidays |
| Bus Type | Ordinary service (no AC on this route) |
| AC Bus Available? | No. MTC does not operate AC buses on Route 71E |
| Starting Fare | Rs 6 (Ordinary minimum) |
| Why Route 71E matters | One of the most important arterial routes connecting Central Chennai (Broadway) to the entire north-western industrial and defence belt: ICF Perambur, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Avadi (Heavy Vehicles Factory), Pattabiram Military Station, and Thirunindravur — in a single ride without a transfer |
Route 71E vs Related Routes: Which Should You Take?
| Your Journey | Best Route | Reason |
| Broadway to Kilpauk / Kilpauk Garden | 71E or 71 | Route 71E stops at Kilpauk Garden via New Avadi Road. Multiple routes also serve Kilpauk from Broadway |
| Broadway to ICF Colony / Perambur | 71E | Route 71E stops at ICF Annexe, serving the ICF residential colony and factory workers directly |
| Broadway to Ambattur Industrial Estate | 71E or 87 | Route 71E has a dedicated Ambattur Estate stop. Route 87 also serves Ambattur. 71E is the direct Broadway link |
| Broadway to Dunlop / Ambattur OT | 71E or 70 | Both 71E and 70 serve the Ambattur corridor from Broadway. Route 70 runs Tambaram to Avadi, providing a combined frequency at Ambattur stops |
| Broadway to Thirumullaivoyal | 71E or 70 | Both serve Thirumullaivoyal. Route 70 is the higher-frequency alternative; combined frequency makes waiting times short |
| Broadway to Avadi (HVF area) | 71E or 70 or 71 | Multiple routes serve Avadi. Route 71E via Avadi Circle connects defence and factory workers to Broadway |
| Broadway to Pattabiram | 71E or 66P | Route 71E via Avadi Circle reaches Pattabiram from Broadway. Route 66P approaches Pattabiram from Tambaram |
| Broadway to Thirunindravur (direct) | 71E | Route 71E is one of the primary direct services from Broadway to Thirunindravur. Route 72 and others also serve this corridor |
| Ambattur OT to Thirunindravur (joining mid-route) | 71E or 70 | Board at Ambattur OT for either route onward to Avadi and Thirunindravur |
All 18 Named Stops with Landmarks and Local Context
Route 71E is one of Chennai’s defining north-western arterial bus routes. Starting at Broadway — the city’s largest bus hub — it drives up through Kilpauk and Perambur before entering the great industrial and defence arc of Ambattur, Avadi, and Pattabiram, finishing at Thirunindravur on the Chennai–Tiruttani highway. The route passes through four very different urban identities: the colonial north of Chennai, the educational-medical belt of Kilpauk, the manufacturing heartland of Ambattur–Avadi, and the outer suburban frontier of Pattabiram–Thirunindravur.
| Zone 1: Broadway to Kilpauk — Colonial North and Medical Belt (Stops 1 to 5) |
| Stop 1 Broadway (Pallavan Salai) | |
| What it is | Origin terminus at Chennai’s largest bus hub and the gateway to all long-distance routes |
| Key landmarks | Broadway bus stand (Pallavan Salai terminus — the largest in MTC’s network), RBI Chennai, Parrys Corner (Chennai’s historic commercial centre), High Court of Madras (heritage building on the seafront) |
| Metro connection | Chennai Metro Blue Line: Central Station (5-min walk) connecting to Koyambedu, Airport, Egmore, Washermenpet, and Alandur |
| Rail connection | Chennai Central Railway Station (5 to 8 minute walk): all Southern Railway mainline trains nationwide; Chennai suburban trains on the Chennai-Arakkonam line passing Pattabiram and Thirunindravur — both stops on Route 71E |
| Tip | At Broadway, Route 71E departs from the designated bay. Confirm the destination board shows Thirunindravur before boarding, as related routes 71, 72, and 70 also depart from the same area toward Avadi |
| Stop 2 Central / Park Town (Chennai Central area) | |
| What it is | The city centre landmark zone passing by Chennai Central Railway Station — the most important rail hub in Tamil Nadu |
| Key landmarks | Chennai Central Railway Station (Puratchi Thalaivar MGR Central — the busiest railway station in South India), Park Station (Chennai Metro), Park Town GPO, Ripon Building (Greater Chennai Corporation headquarters) |
| Rail connection | Chennai Central: all mainline trains to Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and all of South India. Suburban trains on the Chennai-Arakkonam line stop here, serving Avadi, Pattabiram, and Thirunindravur — all stops on Route 71E |
| Metro connection | Park Station on Chennai Metro Blue Line provides rapid access to the airport and CMBT |
| Why it matters | For passengers arriving by mainline train at Chennai Central who need to reach Ambattur, Avadi, or Thirunindravur, boarding Route 71E at the Central/Park Town stop avoids a second transfer |
| Stop 3 Dasaprakash (Egmore area) | |
| What it is | Central city stop near Egmore, named after the historic Dasaprakash Hotel — a legendary South Indian vegetarian restaurant institution |
| Key landmarks | Dasaprakash Hotel (a landmark since 1955 on Gandhi Irwin Road), Chennai Egmore Railway Station approach (trains to Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, and all of southern Tamil Nadu), Government Museum Chennai (one of India’s oldest museums, est. 1851) |
| Rail connection | Chennai Egmore RS: trains to Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Tirunelveli, and Salem directions; suburban trains on the Beach-Tambaram line |
| Museum note | The Government Museum campus in Egmore houses the National Art Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery, and one of India’s best archaeological collections including Chola bronzes |
| Stop 4 Taylors Road (Kilpauk Medical College area) | |
| What it is | Major medical-educational junction in Kilpauk, named after the colonial-era road |
| Key landmarks | Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital (KMC — a premier government medical college), Institute of Mental Health (one of Asia’s oldest psychiatric hospitals, est. 1794), Pachaiyappa’s College (one of Chennai’s oldest arts colleges, est. 1842) |
| Medical note | KMC is a major public healthcare facility. Patients from Ambattur, Avadi, and Thirumullaivoyal frequently use Route 71E to travel from their localities to KMC for outpatient visits and emergency care — making this one of the key medical-access functions of the route |
| Heritage note | Pachaiyappa’s College, established 1842, is one of the oldest degree colleges in South Asia, founded with funds from Tamil philanthropist Pachaiyappa Mudaliar |
| Stop 5 Kilpauk Garden | |
| What it is | Residential and institutional stop in the Kilpauk-New Avadi Road junction area |
| Key landmarks | Kilpauk Garden (a public park), New Avadi Road junction — the main artery connecting the city centre to the north-western suburbs, Kilpauk residential colony |
| Note | The New Avadi Road (Chennai–Thiruvallur High Road / CTH Road) is the primary arterial highway that Route 71E travels for most of its length from this point onward to Thirunindravur. The road gives the route its geographic backbone |
| Zone 2: ICF to Padi — The Railway Coach Factory Belt (Stops 6 to 8) |
| Stop 6 ICF Annexe (Integral Coach Factory Colony) | |
| What it is | Stop serving the massive ICF residential colony and factory complex in Perambur — one of the most significant industrial stops on Route 71E |
| About ICF | The Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Perambur, established in 1955, is the world’s largest rail coach manufacturing facility, owned and operated by Indian Railways. ICF manufactures over 4,000 coaches annually including LHB coaches, Vande Bharat train-sets, Metro coaches, EMUs, DMUs, and specialised railway vehicles. In June 2024, ICF rolled out its 75,000th coach |
| Key landmarks | ICF Factory main gates, ICF residential colony (a self-contained township with thousands of railway employee families), ICF Hospital, ICF Regional Railway Museum (open to public — features historic locomotives and railway memorabilia), ICF schools |
| Industrial note | ICF is the engine of Perambur’s economy. Thousands of ICF employees and their families live in the colony and use Route 71E daily for connectivity to Broadway and the city. The Railway Museum is a popular educational destination |
| Tip | The ICF Railway Museum is open to the public on most days. It is accessible on foot from the ICF Annexe stop |
| Stop 7 Nathamuni Talkies (Padi area) | |
| What it is | Cinema landmark stop in Padi, a densely populated inner suburb between ICF and Ambattur |
| Key landmarks | Nathamuni Talkies (local cinema hall), Padi junction, Thirumangalam road access, approaching the Padi-Ambattur industrial corridor |
| Note | Padi is a key intermediate suburb with its own market, schools, and commercial establishments. It sits at the junction of the New Avadi Road and the Thirumangalam corridor, connecting to CMBT and the western suburbs via cross-routes |
| Stop 8 TVS Lucas / Lucas TVS (Padi-Ambattur junction) | |
| What it is | Named after the Lucas TVS factory — a landmark auto component manufacturer at the Ambattur Industrial Estate approach |
| About Lucas TVS | Lucas TVS (a Tube Investments / TVS Group company) is one of India’s leading manufacturers of auto electrical components including starters, alternators, and wiper systems. The factory at Padi-Ambattur is a major employer in the corridor |
| Key landmarks | Lucas TVS factory, Ambattur Industrial Estate approach road, TVS Group facilities in the area, local residential zones |
| Industrial context | The Padi-Ambattur stretch is part of Chennai’s ‘auto belt’ — the north-western industrial arc that developed in the post-Independence era anchored by TI Cycles, TVS, Lucas, and Dunlop |
| Zone 3: Ambattur — South Asia’s Largest Small-Scale Industrial Estate (Stops 9 to 11) |
| Stop 9 Ambattur Estate (Ambattur Industrial Estate) | |
| What it is | Stop serving the Ambattur Industrial Estate — the largest small-scale industrial estate in South Asia and one of the most important stops on Route 71E for factory workers |
| About the estate | The Ambattur Industrial Estate, commissioned in 1964 by the Government of Tamil Nadu, spans 1,430 acres and houses approximately 1,800 industrial units. It was South Asia’s largest small-scale industrial estate and remains a cornerstone of Chennai’s manufacturing economy |
| Key companies | Britannia Industries (biscuits and bakery), TI Cycles of India (Hercules, BSA bicycles — the first joint venture in post-Independence South India), TVS Group factories, The New Indian Express (corporate office), Dunlop India, and hundreds of auto component, engineering, and textile manufacturers |
| Worker note | Route 71E is the primary direct bus from Broadway to the Ambattur Industrial Estate. Thousands of factory workers use this route daily for their shift commutes, making Ambattur Estate one of the highest-boarding stops on the route during shift change times (6-8 AM, 2-4 PM, 10 PM-12 AM) |
| Stop 10 Dunlop (Dunlop Junction) | |
| What it is | Major road junction named after the historic Dunlop India factory — a key landmark in Chennai’s industrial history |
| About Dunlop | Dunlop India operated a major tyre manufacturing plant at this location for decades, giving the junction its name that persists to this day. The junction connects New Avadi Road to the Red Hills Road, making it a critical north-western road node |
| Key landmarks | Dunlop junction, Red Hills Road access (toward Redhills, Puzhal, Ennore), Avadi-bound highway, local commercial and residential zone |
| Connections | Dunlop junction is served by multiple MTC routes heading toward Red Hills and Redhills Road. Auto-rickshaws connect to surrounding residential areas |
| Stop 11 Ambattur OT (Ambattur Bus Terminus / Outer Terminus) | |
| What it is | One of Chennai’s largest suburban bus termini and the most important interchange point on Route 71E between the city and the Avadi belt |
| Key landmarks | Ambattur OT (major MTC terminus), Ambattur Railway Station (suburban trains on the Chennai Beach-Avadi line), Ambattur local market, multiple MTC and private bus connections |
| Rail connection | Ambattur Railway Station: suburban trains to Chennai Beach (via Villivakkam, Perambur, Park) and toward Avadi, Pattabiram, and Thirunindravur |
| Why it matters | Ambattur OT is the functional midpoint of Route 71E and the main boarding point for north-western suburb residents. Combined frequency at Ambattur OT (Routes 71E, 70, 71, and others) means effective waiting times are very short — typically 5 to 7 minutes |
| Connections | Koyambedu (Route from Ambattur OT), Vadapalani, Tiruvallur, Red Hills, Redhills Road routes — all accessible at Ambattur OT interchange |
| Zone 4: Thirumullaivoyal to Avadi — Defence and Manufacturing Heartland (Stops 12 to 14) |
| Stop 12 Thirumullaivoyal | |
| What it is | Important western suburb at the midpoint between Ambattur and Avadi, with its own railway station and significant residential population |
| Key landmarks | Thirumullaivoyal Railway Station (suburban trains on the Avadi-Chennai line), Masilmaninathar Temple (ancient Shiva temple, the town’s heritage centrepiece), Puzhal Lake (Chennai’s third largest water supply reservoir, a short distance east), SIDCO Women Industrial Park (5 km north at Kattur) |
| Rail connection | Thirumullaivoyal Railway Station: suburban trains to Chennai Beach, Avadi, Pattabiram, and Thirunindravur — all on the same corridor as Route 71E |
| Heritage note | Thirumullaivoyal’s name derives from ‘Mullaivanam’ — the ancient mango-forest settlement. The Masilmaninathar temple dates to the Chola period and is the spiritual heart of this suburb |
| Real estate | Thirumullaivoyal has grown rapidly as an affordable residential option for workers in Ambattur Industrial Estate and HVF Avadi |
| Stop 13 Polytechnic (Avadi area) | |
| What it is | Named after a government polytechnic college in the Avadi approach zone |
| Key landmarks | Government Polytechnic College, Avadi approach road, educational institutions zone on the Avadi–Thirumullaivoyal corridor |
| Education note | The Avadi-Thirumullaivoyal corridor has multiple engineering colleges, polytechnics, and arts colleges. Students from Ambattur, Padi, and the city use Route 71E to commute to these institutions |
| Stop 14 Avadi Circle (Avadi Checkpost Junction) | |
| What it is | The main Avadi junction — one of the most significant stops on Route 71E, serving the entire Avadi defence and industrial complex |
| About Avadi | Avadi, approximately 22 km from Chennai Central, is a city in Thiruvallur district and one of India’s most important defence production centres. It is home to the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Engine Factory (EFA), Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Ordnance Clothing Factory (OCF), and multiple Indian Army and Air Force installations |
| Heavy Vehicles Factory | HVF Avadi, established 1961, manufactures India’s main battle tanks: Vijayanta, T-72 Ajeya, T-90 Bhishma, and the Arjun MBT. The factory spans 248 acres of factory area and 873 acres of estate. It is managed by AVANI (Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited) under the Ministry of Defence |
| Key landmarks | Avadi Circle junction, HVF main gate approach, CVRDE (Combat Vehicle Research and Development), Avadi Railway Station (suburban trains and some express trains), Avadi City Corporation office, Avadi market |
| Rail connection | Avadi Railway Station: suburban trains to Chennai Beach and express trains including Chennai-Thiruvananthapuram Mail stop here |
| Defence note | Avadi has a large defence personnel population — army, navy, air force, and CRPF families all live in the Avadi cantonment area. Route 71E is a key connection for defence families to Broadway and the city centre |
| Zone 5: Kavaraipalayam to Thirunindravur — The Frontier Belt (Stops 15 to 18) |
| Stop 15 Kavaraipalayam | |
| What it is | Residential locality between Avadi and Pattabiram on the Chennai-Tiruttani highway |
| Key landmarks | Kavaraipalayam village and residential zone, approach road between Avadi Circle and Pattabiram, local temples and commercial establishments |
| Note | Kavaraipalayam is part of the expanding residential fringe of Avadi, with many defence and factory workers choosing to live here for its lower housing costs while remaining within commuting distance of HVF and Pattabiram |
| Stop 16 Pattabiram | |
| What it is | Key defence town and industrial hub — a major stop on Route 71E serving both military personnel and factory workers |
| Key landmarks | Pattabiram Railway Station (suburban trains on the Chennai Egmore–Arakkonam line via Poonamallee and Park), Pattabiram Military Station (Indian Army cantonment), SIDCO Pattabiram Industrial Estate, Pattabiram local market |
| Rail connection | Pattabiram Railway Station: suburban trains to Chennai Egmore via Nungambakkam, Park, Poonamallee; and toward Arakkonam, Thirunindravur, Veppampattu |
| Military note | Pattabiram Military Station houses several Indian Army units. Military families use Route 71E for access to Broadway, Kilpauk Medical College, and Chennai Central Railway Station for mainline travel |
| Industrial note | The SIDCO Pattabiram estate is distinct from and in addition to the HVF Avadi defence complex — it houses small and medium civilian manufacturing units |
| Stop 17 Nemilicheri (Nemilicherry) | |
| What it is | Settlement immediately before Thirunindravur, served by a suburban railway halt station |
| Key landmarks | Nemilicherry Halt Railway Station (suburban rail halt on the Chennai-Arakkonam line, 1.9 km from Thirunindravur RS), Outer Ring Road (Phase 1, Vandalur to Nemilicherry completed), local residential area |
| Infrastructure note | Nemilicherry is a significant node on Chennai’s Outer Ring Road (ORR). The completed Phase 1 of the ORR connects Vandalur to Nemilicherry, enabling freight and through-traffic to bypass the city. This has spurred significant logistics and warehouse development in the area |
| Note | Nemilicherry residents have good suburban rail access in addition to Route 71E, making this area increasingly attractive for people working across the Chennai-Tiruvallur corridor |
| Stop 18 Thirunindravur (Final Stop — Bus Depot) | |
| What it is | The northern terminus of Route 71E — a suburban town on the Chennai-Tiruttani highway (NH-205 / CTH Road) in Thiruvallur district, approximately 30 km from the city centre |
| About Thirunindravur | Thirunindravur is a suburban town of approximately 37,000 people (2011 census) with a high literacy rate of 91%. It lies within the Chennai Metropolitan Area and is part of the Avadi assembly constituency. The Chennai-Tiruttani highway (CTH Road / NH-205) connects Thirunindravur to Tiruttani and Tirupati in the north and Chennai in the south, making it a through-route hub |
| Key landmarks | Thirunindravur Railway Station (0.5 km from the bus depot), Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple (the town’s principal Vaishnava temple), Jaya Engineering College and Jaya College of Arts and Science (major educational institutions), Jaya Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Thirunindravur Government Hospital |
| Rail connection | Thirunindravur Railway Station: suburban trains on the Chennai Egmore-Arakkonam line. Trains to Chennai Egmore (via Pattabiram, Poonamallee, Nungambakkam, Park). Toward Arakkonam, Veppampattu, and beyond toward Tirupati via Arakkonam |
| Tip | From Thirunindravur, onward buses toward Tiruvallur, Tirupati road, and surrounding villages depart from the local bus stand area. For Arakkonam, the suburban train from Thirunindravur RS is faster than a bus connection |
Bus Fare Chart for Route 71E
Route 71E operates as an ordinary service. The minimum starting fare is Rs 6. All fares include a cess of Rs 1. MTC does not operate AC buses on this route.
| 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 | Broadway to Kilpauk / ICF Annexe (approx. 8 km): Rs 8 to Rs 11 Broadway to Ambattur Estate (approx. 16 km): Rs 10 to Rs 14 Broadway to Ambattur OT (approx. 18 km): Rs 11 to Rs 15 Broadway to Avadi Circle (approx. 24 km): Rs 12 to Rs 17 Broadway to Pattabiram (approx. 28 km): Rs 13 to Rs 19 Broadway to Thirunindravur (33.3 km, full route): Rs 15 to Rs 22 Monthly pass: Rs 2,000 unlimited MTC pass (from March 2025) covers Route 71E |
Interchange and Connectivity Guide
| Stop | Connect To | Mode | Destination |
| Broadway | Chennai Central RS | Walk (5 min) | All Southern Railway mainline and suburban trains |
| Broadway | Chennai Metro Blue Line | Walk | Koyambedu, Airport, Egmore, Alandur, Washermenpet |
| Broadway | SETC / private operators | Bus interchange | All Tamil Nadu cities and interstate destinations |
| Central / Park Town | Chennai Central Station | Walk | All mainline trains; suburban trains to Avadi, Pattabiram, Thirunindravur on Chennai-Arakkonam line |
| Dasaprakash | Egmore RS approach | Walk / Auto | Chennai Egmore for Madurai, Coimbatore, and south TN trains |
| Taylors Road | Kilpauk Medical College Hospital | Walk | KMC — major government teaching hospital |
| Kilpauk Garden | New Avadi Road | Road junction | Onward buses to Kolathur, Anna Nagar via New Avadi Road |
| ICF Annexe | ICF Colony | Walk | ICF factory gates, ICF Hospital, ICF Railway Museum |
| Nathamuni Talkies | Padi junction | Road junction | Local autos, CMBT-bound routes via Padi |
| TVS Lucas (Padi) | Lucas TVS factory, Padi junction | Walk / Auto | Padi industrial area, Thiruverkadu route connection |
| Ambattur Estate | Ambattur Industrial Estate | Walk / Auto | TI Cycles, Britannia, TVS factories; 1,800-unit SIDCO estate |
| Dunlop | Dunlop junction | Road junction | Red Hills, Redhills Road routes; local commercial zone |
| Ambattur OT | Ambattur bus terminus | Bus interchange | Multiple routes to Koyambedu, Vadapalani, Red Hills, Tiruvallur |
| Ambattur OT | Ambattur Railway Station | Walk / Auto | Suburban trains on Avadi-Chennai Beach line |
| Thirumullaivoyal | Thirumullaivoyal RS, Puzhal Lake | Walk / Auto | Suburban train; Puzhal Lake (water supply reservoir) nearby |
| Avadi Circle | Avadi RS, HVF Main Gate | Walk / Auto | Suburban trains; Heavy Vehicles Factory (Arjun tank plant); CVRDE |
| Pattabiram | Pattabiram RS, Military Station | Walk / Auto | Suburban trains to Egmore via Poonamallee; Pattabiram army cantonment |
| Nemilicheri | Nemilicheri Halt Station | Walk | Suburban rail halt, Outer Ring Road access |
| Thirunindravur | Thirunindravur RS, Jaya College | Walk | Suburban trains; Jaya Engineering College; Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple |
Who Uses Route 71E
ICF Factory Workers and Colony Residents
The Integral Coach Factory in Perambur employs thousands of skilled railway workers and engineers. ICF Colony houses thousands of families in a self-contained township. Route 71E is the direct Broadway link for ICF employees commuting from the city or travelling to Central Railway Station for mainline train journeys. The ICF Annexe stop serves both the factory gates and the residential colony.
Ambattur Industrial Estate Workers
The Ambattur Industrial Estate with its 1,800 industrial units employs tens of thousands of workers. Route 71E is one of the most direct bus connections from Broadway and the central city to the estate. Shift-change timings (early morning and mid-afternoon) see the heaviest loads between Broadway and the Ambattur Estate stop.
Avadi Defence Personnel and Families
Avadi houses the Heavy Vehicles Factory, Engine Factory, CVRDE, and multiple Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and CRPF units. Thousands of defence personnel and their families live in Avadi. Route 71E provides direct connectivity to Broadway, Chennai Central Railway Station, and Kilpauk Medical College — three of the most important city destinations for defence families (rail travel, medical care, and administrative visits).
Pattabiram Military Station and SIDCO Workers
Pattabiram Military Station and the SIDCO estate generate significant daily ridership on Route 71E. Factory workers, military personnel, and their families use Route 71E for Broadway and city centre access, complementing the suburban railway which also serves Pattabiram.
Students — Polytechnic, Jaya College, and Corridor Institutions
The Avadi-Thirunindravur corridor has multiple engineering colleges, polytechnics, and arts colleges. Students from Broadway, ICF, Ambattur, and Padi use Route 71E for their daily college commutes. Jaya Engineering College and Jaya College of Arts and Science at Thirunindravur are the principal student destinations at the terminus.
Medical Patients — Kilpauk Medical College
KMC is one of Tamil Nadu’s premier government hospitals. Patients from Ambattur, Avadi, Thirumullaivoyal, and Thirunindravur travel on Route 71E to access the hospital’s outpatient departments and specialty clinics. The Taylors Road stop provides direct access to the hospital campus.
Thirunindravur Residents Travelling to the City
Thirunindravur residents use Route 71E as one of their primary connections to Broadway, Chennai Central, and the city centre. While the suburban railway also connects Thirunindravur to Egmore, Route 71E provides a direct bus option that avoids the need to change at a railway terminus.
Route 71E Operating Timetable Overview
With approximately 51 trips per day from Broadway and 52 from Thirunindravur, the average headway is 16 to 18 minutes. Combined with related routes (70, 71, 72) on shared sections, effective waiting times at major stops like Ambattur OT are typically 5 to 7 minutes. Always verify timings at mtcbus.tn.gov.in.
Direction 1: Broadway to Thirunindravur
First bus: 5:30 AM | Last bus: 8:50 PM | Approx. 51 trips/day | Frequency: every 16 to 18 min
| Stop | Trip 1 (5:30 AM) | ~8:00 AM | ~12:00 PM | ~5:00 PM | Last (~8:50 PM) |
| Broadway | 5:30 AM | 8:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 8:50 PM |
| Central / Park Town | 5:34 AM | 8:04 AM | 12:04 PM | 5:04 PM | 8:54 PM |
| Dasaprakash | 5:38 AM | 8:08 AM | 12:08 PM | 5:08 PM | 8:58 PM |
| Taylors Road | 5:49 AM | 8:19 AM | 12:19 PM | 5:19 PM | 9:09 PM |
| Kilpauk Garden | 5:51 AM | 8:21 AM | 12:21 PM | 5:21 PM | 9:11 PM |
| ICF Annexe | 5:57 AM | 8:27 AM | 12:27 PM | 5:27 PM | 9:17 PM |
| Nathamuni Talkies | 6:07 AM | 8:37 AM | 12:37 PM | 5:37 PM | 9:27 PM |
| TVS Lucas (Padi) | 6:10 AM | 8:40 AM | 12:40 PM | 5:40 PM | 9:30 PM |
| Ambattur Estate | 6:17 AM | 8:47 AM | 12:47 PM | 5:47 PM | 9:37 PM |
| Dunlop | 6:21 AM | 8:51 AM | 12:51 PM | 5:51 PM | 9:41 PM |
| Ambattur OT | 6:25 AM | 8:55 AM | 12:55 PM | 5:55 PM | 9:45 PM |
| Thirumullaivoyal | 6:32 AM | 9:02 AM | 1:02 PM | 6:02 PM | 9:52 PM |
| Polytechnic | 6:36 AM | 9:06 AM | 1:06 PM | 6:06 PM | 9:56 PM |
| Avadi Circle | 6:42 AM | 9:12 AM | 1:12 PM | 6:12 PM | 10:02 PM |
| Kavaraipalayam | 6:46 AM | 9:16 AM | 1:16 PM | 6:16 PM | 10:06 PM |
| Pattabiram | 6:51 AM | 9:21 AM | 1:21 PM | 6:21 PM | 10:11 PM |
| Nemilicheri | 6:56 AM | 9:26 AM | 1:26 PM | 6:26 PM | 10:16 PM |
| Thirunindravur | 7:02 AM | 9:32 AM | 1:32 PM | 6:32 PM | 10:22 PM |
Direction 2: Thirunindravur to Broadway
First bus: 5:35 AM | Last bus: 8:20 PM | Approx. 52 trips/day | Frequency: every 16 to 18 min
| Stop | Trip 1 (5:35 AM) | ~8:00 AM | ~12:00 PM | ~5:00 PM | Last (~8:20 PM) |
| Thirunindravur | 5:35 AM | 8:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 8:20 PM |
| Nemilicheri | 5:41 AM | 8:06 AM | 12:06 PM | 5:06 PM | 8:26 PM |
| Pattabiram | 5:46 AM | 8:11 AM | 12:11 PM | 5:11 PM | 8:31 PM |
| Kavaraipalayam | 5:51 AM | 8:16 AM | 12:16 PM | 5:16 PM | 8:36 PM |
| Avadi Circle | 5:55 AM | 8:20 AM | 12:20 PM | 5:20 PM | 8:40 PM |
| Polytechnic | 6:01 AM | 8:26 AM | 12:26 PM | 5:26 PM | 8:46 PM |
| Thirumullaivoyal | 6:05 AM | 8:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 5:30 PM | 8:50 PM |
| Ambattur OT | 6:12 AM | 8:37 AM | 12:37 PM | 5:37 PM | 8:57 PM |
| Dunlop | 6:16 AM | 8:41 AM | 12:41 PM | 5:41 PM | 9:01 PM |
| Ambattur Estate | 6:20 AM | 8:45 AM | 12:45 PM | 5:45 PM | 9:05 PM |
| TVS Lucas (Padi) | 6:27 AM | 8:52 AM | 12:52 PM | 5:52 PM | 9:12 PM |
| Nathamuni Talkies | 6:30 AM | 8:55 AM | 12:55 PM | 5:55 PM | 9:15 PM |
| ICF Annexe | 6:40 AM | 9:05 AM | 1:05 PM | 6:05 PM | 9:25 PM |
| Kilpauk Garden | 6:46 AM | 9:11 AM | 1:11 PM | 6:11 PM | 9:31 PM |
| Taylors Road | 6:48 AM | 9:13 AM | 1:13 PM | 6:13 PM | 9:33 PM |
| Dasaprakash | 6:59 AM | 9:24 AM | 1:24 PM | 6:24 PM | 9:44 PM |
| Central / Park Town | 7:03 AM | 9:28 AM | 1:28 PM | 6:28 PM | 9:48 PM |
| Broadway | 7:07 AM | 9:32 AM | 1:32 PM | 6:32 PM | 9:52 PM |
| Timetable Notes | 1. All times are estimates calculated from official first-bus timings and trip frequencies. Actual times may vary 5 to 15 minutes due to traffic. 2. Peak hour delays (7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM): The Broadway to Kilpauk section and the Ambattur Estate area can add 15 to 25 minutes during peak hours due to dense city and industrial traffic. 3. Combined frequency at Ambattur OT: Routes 70, 71E, 71, and others together provide an effective frequency of approximately 5 to 7 minutes at Ambattur OT during daytime hours. 4. Shift-change congestion: At Ambattur Estate and Dunlop stops, buses are extremely crowded during shift changes at Ambattur Industrial Estate. If possible, avoid the 6 to 8 AM and 2 to 4 PM periods for this section. 5. Always confirm current timings at mtcbus.tn.gov.in before travel. MTC may revise schedules without notice. |
Traveller Tips for Route 71E
Know the Route Before Boarding
- Route 71E goes via New Avadi Road (CTH Road) — the main Chennai-Thiruvallur highway. It does not serve Anna Nagar, Koyambedu, or Porur. For those destinations, take Route 70 from Broadway (which goes via CMBT) or a different route.
- At Broadway, Routes 71, 71E, 70, and 72 all depart toward Avadi and the north-west. Check the front board carefully: 71E terminates at Thirunindravur; 70 goes to Avadi and Tambaram via CMBT; 71 may have a different endpoint.
- Route 71E does not serve Thiruverkadu. For Thiruverkadu, take Route 20K from Ambattur OT or a Thiruverkadu-bound route from Padi.
- The suburban railway on the Chennai-Arakkonam line serves the same Pattabiram and Thirunindravur corridor as Route 71E but via a different path (through Nungambakkam and Poonamallee). For time-sensitive journeys, the train from Central to Thirunindravur is often faster than Route 71E.
Frequency and Peak Hour Planning
- Route 71E runs every 16 to 18 minutes. Combined with other routes on shared sections, the effective wait at Ambattur OT is typically 5 to 7 minutes — one of the best-served suburban corridors in Chennai.
- At Broadway, board early during morning peak (7 AM to 9 AM). The bus fills rapidly from Central, Dasaprakash, and ICF Annexe, and is typically standing-room by Ambattur Estate during peak hours.
- In the return direction (Thirunindravur to Broadway), the evening peak (5 PM to 7:30 PM) sees very heavy loads from Avadi Circle, Ambattur Estate, and Padi. Board as early as possible.
- At Ambattur Estate during shift changes, buses can be severely overcrowded. If you are travelling from Ambattur to Broadway at shift-change times, consider taking a train from Ambattur RS to Egmore or Beach instead.
Railway Connections Along the Route
- Route 71E and the Chennai Egmore-Arakkonam suburban railway serve the same broad corridor but are complementary, not identical. The railway is faster for point-to-point travel between Central and Thirunindravur; Route 71E is better for intermediate stops like ICF Colony, Ambattur Estate, and Dunlop that are not railway stations.
- If you miss the last Route 71E at Broadway (8:50 PM), suburban trains from Chennai Central to Thirunindravur may still be running — check Southern Railway schedules for the Arakkonam line.
Bus Tracking and Information
- MTC official website: mtcbus.tn.gov.in for current schedules
- Moovit app for real-time Route 71E tracking — the Honestraccoon platform also provides detailed stop-wise timetable data for Route 71E
- MTC complaint registration: mtcbus.tn.gov.in portal or Broadway depot
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ‘E’ in Route 71E stand for?
The ‘E’ suffix in MTC route numbering typically denotes a variant or extension of the base route (Route 71). Route 71E extends beyond Route 71’s terminus, terminating at Thirunindravur — further north-west on the Chennai-Tiruttani highway than the base Route 71.
Is Route 71E faster than taking the train to Thirunindravur?
For end-to-end travel (Broadway/Central to Thirunindravur), the suburban train from Chennai Central via Poonamallee is often faster on clear days — approximately 50 to 60 minutes. Route 71E takes 60 to 75 minutes and is subject to city traffic between Broadway and Kilpauk. However, Route 71E is superior for stops that have no railway station: ICF Annexe, Ambattur Estate, Dunlop, and Avadi Circle. Choose based on your specific origin and destination.
How do I get from Broadway to the ICF Railway Museum?
Board Route 71E at Broadway and alight at the ICF Annexe stop. The ICF Regional Railway Museum is within the ICF factory campus, accessible from the ICF Annexe area. The museum is open to the public on most days — verify visiting hours with ICF or MTC information before visiting.
What is the best way to reach Ambattur Industrial Estate from T. Nagar?
From T. Nagar, board a bus to Broadway (Routes M27, and others) and then take Route 71E from Broadway. Alternatively, take a bus to Koyambedu (CMBT) and board a Route 70 bus toward Avadi, which also serves Ambattur OT. Route 71E from Broadway is the most direct city-centre link to Ambattur Estate.
Does Route 71E go to CMBT (Koyambedu)?
No. Route 71E travels via New Avadi Road (CTH Road) and does not pass through CMBT or Koyambedu. For CMBT, use Route 70 from Broadway (which goes via CMBT before heading to Avadi) or take the Metro from Central to Koyambedu.
Can I visit the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi by Route 71E?
HVF is a defence facility with restricted access — entry requires prior authorisation from the Ministry of Defence. Public visitors cannot enter HVF freely. Route 71E stops at Avadi Circle which is close to the HVF main gate. For any official business at HVF, alight at Avadi Circle and take an auto.
What is the last bus from Thirunindravur to Broadway?
The last Route 71E departure from Thirunindravur toward Broadway is approximately 8:20 PM. If you miss this, suburban trains from Thirunindravur Railway Station toward Chennai Egmore continue to run later. Check Southern Railway schedules for the Arakkonam-Egmore line.
Is the monthly MTC pass valid on Route 71E?
Yes. The Rs 2,000 unlimited MTC monthly pass (from March 2025) covers Route 71E as it is an ordinary MTC service.
Useful Links and Resources
- MTC Official Website: mtcbus.tn.gov.in
- Related routes: 70 (Broadway/Tambaram to Avadi via CMBT), 71 (Broadway to Avadi variant), 72 (Broadway to Thirunindravur / Veppampattu variants)
- Suburban railway: Chennai Egmore to Arakkonam line (stops at Central, Park, Poonamallee, Pattabiram, Nemilicherry Halt, Thirunindravur, Veppampattu, Arakkonam)
- ICF Regional Railway Museum: located inside ICF campus, Perambur — verify public visiting hours with ICF administration
- Moovit app for real-time Route 71E tracking in Chennai
- Monthly pass: Rs 2,000 unlimited MTC pass covers Route 71E (from March 2025)
- MTC complaint registration: mtcbus.tn.gov.in portal or Broadway bus depot
Last updated: April 2026. MTC may change route timings, stops, and fares without notice. Timetable figures are calculated estimates based on official trip counts and first bus timings. Always verify current information at mtcbus.tn.gov.in before travel.
