Coimbatore's wait for integrated bus stand to get longer

Coimbatore: The fate of the integrated bus terminus in Coimbatore remains uncertain, with the state govt and the city corporation yet to finalize an alternative site. Originally proposed in 2019 by the AIADMK govt at an estimated cost of Rs168 crore, the integrated bus terminus was planned at Vellalore on 61.81 acres. It was to house a mofussil bus stand, a private bus stand and a town bus stand. Although construction began after laying a foundation stone in 2020, the work was halted because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Later, the project was completely abandoned after the DMK govt took charge in 2021. Since then, no efforts have been made to revive the project.

In December 2024, the city corporation had proposed converting the incomplete integrated bus terminus infrastructure into a wholesale vegetable market, a wholesale fruit market and a truck yard, and passed a resolution to that effect. However, on March 28, the corporation presented a revised resolution to allocate the space to the Coimbatore Motor Transport Council for heavy vehicle parking.

Meanwhile, the civic body is yet to decide on an alternative location for the integrated bus terminus, further delaying the project by several years.

J Sathish, joint secretary, Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore, emphasized on the need for an integrated bus terminus, as most residents rely on buses for transport. "All major cities such as Chennai, Madurai and Trichy have integrated bus terminals. Coimbatore, despite being an educational, medical, industrial and IT hub, is still waiting for one."

He suggested that the integrated bus terminus should be located on the eastern side of the city, which is witnessing rapid growth. "Neelambur will be an ideal location, since the upcoming metro terminal is also expected there. The area connects Trichy Road and Avinashi Road. Sathy Road and Pollachi-bound buses could use the Neelambur bypass."

N R Ravi Shankar, a resident of Kovaipudur, criticized the corporation for its lack of clarity on the project. "Even in the recent council meeting, there was no discussion on the integrated bus terminus. Neither the state budget nor the corporation budget made any mention of it," he said. "The integrated bus terminus was proposed for a purpose, and that purpose should be served. The corporation and the govt should conduct a public hearing to identify a suitable location. This project should not be politicized, as it will significantly reduce traffic congestion in the city."

V Duraikannan, president, Coimbatore District Bus Owners Association, acknowledged the need for an integrated bus terminus, but raised concerns about connectivity. "Most commercial activities are still concentrated around Gandhipuram and Town Hall. Daily commuters should not face difficulties in travelling between these key areas. Town buses must be rearranged to connect all major parts of the city with the integrated bus terminus - only then it will be truly useful."

A senior corporation official said the focus was currently on upgrading the existing bus stands at Singanallur, Gandhipuram and Ukkadam. "These improvements will enhance operational efficiency. Further decisions regarding the integrated bus terminus will depend on the state govt," he said.

Coimbatore: The fate of the integrated bus terminus in Coimbatore remains uncertain, with the state govt and the city corporation yet to finalize an alternative site. Originally proposed in 2019 by the AIADMK govt at an estimated cost of Rs168 crore, the integrated bus terminus was planned at Vellalore on 61.81 acres. It was to house a mofussil bus stand, a private bus stand and a town bus stand. Although construction began after laying a foundation stone in 2020, the work was halted because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Later, the project was completely abandoned after the DMK govt took charge in 2021. Since then, no efforts have been made to revive the project.

In December 2024, the city corporation had proposed converting the incomplete integrated bus terminus infrastructure into a wholesale vegetable market, a wholesale fruit market and a truck yard, and passed a resolution to that effect. However, on March 28, the corporation presented a revised resolution to allocate the space to the Coimbatore Motor Transport Council for heavy vehicle parking.

Meanwhile, the civic body is yet to decide on an alternative location for the integrated bus terminus, further delaying the project by several years.

J Sathish, joint secretary, Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore, emphasized on the need for an integrated bus terminus, as most residents rely on buses for transport. "All major cities such as Chennai, Madurai and Trichy have integrated bus terminals. Coimbatore, despite being an educational, medical, industrial and IT hub, is still waiting for one."

He suggested that the integrated bus terminus should be located on the eastern side of the city, which is witnessing rapid growth. "Neelambur will be an ideal location, since the upcoming metro terminal is also expected there. The area connects Trichy Road and Avinashi Road. Sathy Road and Pollachi-bound buses could use the Neelambur bypass."

N R Ravi Shankar, a resident of Kovaipudur, criticized the corporation for its lack of clarity on the project. "Even in the recent council meeting, there was no discussion on the integrated bus terminus. Neither the state budget nor the corporation budget made any mention of it," he said. "The integrated bus terminus was proposed for a purpose, and that purpose should be served. The corporation and the govt should conduct a public hearing to identify a suitable location. This project should not be politicized, as it will significantly reduce traffic congestion in the city."

V Duraikannan, president, Coimbatore District Bus Owners Association, acknowledged the need for an integrated bus terminus, but raised concerns about connectivity. "Most commercial activities are still concentrated around Gandhipuram and Town Hall. Daily commuters should not face difficulties traveling between these key areas. Town buses must be rearranged to connect all major parts of the city with the integrated bus terminus - only then it will be truly useful."

A senior corporation official said the focus was currently on upgrading the existing bus stands at Singanallur, Gandhipuram and Ukkadam. "These improvements will enhance operational efficiency. Further decisions regarding the integrated bus terminus will depend on the state govt," he said.