More than four months have passed since the ground breaking ceremony was held for the redevelopment of the Chathiram Bus Stand in the city. But, works are yet to begin.
To enable the contractor to carry out works on the 2.05 acres of the existing bus stand complex, the Tiruchi City Corporation had made several changes regarding operation of buses. It set up temporary bus bays from the entrance of St. Joseph’s College to V.N. Nagar. Besides building shelters, the civic authorities earmarked space for buses bound for various destinations, including Vayalur, K. K. Nagar, Allithurai, Kuzhumani, Central Bus Stand, Srirangam, Samyapuram, Lalgudi and others. However, they have still not been brought to use and buses continue to operate from the Chathiram Bus Stand apparently due to lack of consensus on finalising the new traffic plan.
According to sources, Collector S. Sivarasu held a special meeting recently with senior officials of Tiruchi Corporation, Transport Department, police and others to discuss the arrangements being made at Chathiram Bus Stand to operate buses from the newly earmarked spaces.
It was discussed whether the new traffic arrangements were good enough to accommodate all city buses. Citing security arrangements for Vinayagar Chathurthi and subsequent festivals, the police officials were said to have sought time for giving effect to the new traffic plan at Chathiram Bus Stand.
When contacted, a senior official of the Tiruchi Corporation told The Hindu that the new traffic plan to operate buses from Chathiram Bus Stand had been designed in consultation with the city police and other concerned departments. The issue would be discussed again with the police and other officials in a day or two. If needed, a few changes could be made in order to ensure smooth operation of buses.
The City Corporation has allotted ₹17.34 crore for the remodelling of Chathiram Bus Stand. Construction of a multi-level complex by establishing two terminals for buses with each having a capacity to accommodate 15 bus bays, provision of a two-wheeler parking, construction of 28 shops and a food court are among the components of the proposed remodelling project.
There is also a provision to construct eight sanitary complexes. As many as 225 city buses are being operated from the Chathiram Bus Stand to various destinations in Tiruchi and suburbs. Of them 135 are private buses.