Erode’s Solar satellite bus terminal set to become operational in two weeks

Bus services from the newly-built satellite bus terminal at Solar are expected to commence within the next two weeks, with the district administration preparing to hold a consultative meeting with stakeholders to finalise the launch date.

Constructed at a cost of ₹74.90 crore, the terminal will serve south-bound routes and function as the city’s second major bus facility. Spread across 19.9 acres, it includes a built-up area of 12,247 sq. m, 63 bus bays, 134 commercial units, parking for 883 two-wheelers, and an autorickshaw stand for 100 vehicles. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the terminal on Wednesday. The Corporation has informed the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) that the facility is ready and that services may commence any time.

Collector S. Kandasamy told The Hindu that a stakeholders’ meeting will be held within a day or two to decide the date of operation and address related matters. “Bus operations are likely to begin within 10 days,” he said. The meeting, to be chaired by the Collector, will include officials from the Corporation, TNSTC, police department, private bus operators, and autorickshaw associations, each of whom will outline their responsibilities for ensuring the smooth functioning of the terminal.

Discussions will cover timekeeping, user-charge collection, cloakroom operations, uninterrupted power and water supply, maintenance of restrooms, cleanliness of the premises, security arrangements, and the functioning of shops, eateries, and parking areas. As south-bound buses will no longer be allowed to enter the existing Central Bus Terminal in the city, arrangements for additional shuttle services between the two terminals will also be finalised.

Once the terminal becomes operational, it is expected to ease traffic congestion on city roads and provide significant relief to road-users.

Maintenance of the terminal will require substantial manpower and expenditure. To address this, the civic body has proposed appointing a consultant to prepare a feasibility report and provide transaction advisory services to identify a private firm to operate and maintain the facility under a revenue-sharing model. It is also stepping up efforts to auction the shops and other facilities, which have so far received a poor response.