Passengers await redevelopment of Central Bus Stand in Coimbatore

The proposed redevelopment of the Central Bus Stand at Gandhipuram in Coimbatore city has not taken off, leaving passengers to continue using the ageing facility.

Built in 1972, it is the city’s oldest bus terminal and currently handles around 30,000 passengers a day. Buses to Mettupalayam, Sathyamangalam, Tiruppur, Avinashi, Erode, Salem and Namakkal are operated from here.

The redevelopment plan was initiated by the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation, and preparation of the detailed project report (DPR) began in December 2024. The report was submitted to the Directorate of Municipal Administration early this year and is yet to receive approval.

The bus stand faces several issues, including inadequate drainage that leads to water stagnation during rain, clogged drains due to waste, and limited seating and parking space. Passengers also point to poor maintenance, with plaster peeling off in some parts of the structure.

“There are no proper signboards, and bus bays are not marked clearly. Passengers have to move around to find their buses. The infrastructure is old and needs to be upgraded to meet current needs,” said S.S. Dharshini, a regular commuter.

The proposal includes about 90 bus bays with proper signage, a ground-plus-one structure with commercial space, underground parking for over 2,000 two-wheelers, multiple waiting halls, feeding rooms, toilet blocks, and designated areas for ticketing and maintenance.

Corporation officials said the plan is under follow-up and awaiting administrative approval.