Omnibus terminus at Panjapur is almost complete

The much-awaited omnibus terminus at Panjapur, established adjacent to the Integrated Bus Terminus (IBT), is set to be thrown open to the public soon, officials said.

The facility has been developed on about four acres at a cost of ₹17.60 crore. Of this, ₹8.80 crore was provided through the State government’s Capital Grant Fund while the remaining amount was met by the Tiruchi Corporation from its General Funds.

The project comprises a built-up area of 30,849 sq. ft., with 1,42,945 sq. ft. earmarked for bus movement. The terminus will feature two platforms with 58 bus bays, comprising 34 bays for mobile buses, and 24 bays for waiting buses, ensuring the smooth operation of buses.

According to Corporation Commissioner L. Madhubalan, final finishing work is under way. “Work such as installing sign boards and display systems, along with kiosks to cater to passenger needs, are in progress. We expect to commission the terminus before the end of the month,” he said.

At present, Tiruchi does not have an exclusive bus terminal for omnibuses. In the absence of a dedicated facility, such buses had to be stopped on roadsides near the Central Bus Stand, causing inconvenience to passengers and traffic congestion.

Earlier, omnibuses had been operating from a leased parcel of land near the Central Bus Stand. However, after the Railways took possession of the land in May 2022, private bus operators began occupying the available road space around the stand area.

According to sources, around 80 omnibuses operate daily on various routes while nearly 800 buses pass through Tiruchi every day. At present, omnibuses are operating from a temporary long-term parking bay near the IBT to pick up passengers and they are no longer permitted to operate from the Central Bus Stand area.