Law & Order: Private minibuses flout parking norms at Thoothukudi Old Bus Stand

The haphazard parking of private minibuses at Arignar Anna Bus Stand (old bus stand) in Thoothukudi has raised concern over traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.

Although these operators are not permitted to park vehicles there and are allowed only to board and deboard passengers, these vehicles often occupy the space which has been allocated for their boarding service from entry to exit, causing difficulties to the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus drivers.

The old bus stand was reconstructed under the Smart Cities Mission at a cost of ₹58.67 crore and had begun its operation from October, 2023. Until then, private minibuses operating to the sub urban parts of Thoothukudi including Korampallam, Madathur, Thalamuthu Nagar and others were operated from outside the bus stand premises.

However, to reduce the traffic congestion on the Palayamkottai Road, the Corporation has permitted entry of these private minibuses into bus stand only to board and deboard passengers and they were also charged a daily fee.

Despite repeated warnings, these private mini buses continue to occupy the space allocated, extending from entry to exit gate. This makes it difficult for TNSTC buses to maneuver inside the bus stand and to enter and exit the premises.

An official from the TNSTC, Thoothukudi said, “This has been a recurrent issue for the government bus drivers particularly during peak hours”

He added that these vehicles were not permitted to park their vehicles, but without proper monitoring they often park their buses inside the bus stand, while waiting to board passengers, causing further congestion in the area.

Speaking on this, Thoothukudi Corporation Mayor Jegan Periysamy said that 18 bays in the old bus stand were allotted only to government buses and some private buses to locations, including Kovilpatti.

He added since these mini buses were causing traffic congestion on the surrounding roads, they were allowed inside to ease that for the benefit of the public.

Mr. Jegan noted that two additional security guards will be deployed to prevent the minibuses from occupying spaces inside the bus stand.