Activists flag narrow approach road to new bus stand at Pattukottai

Activists and local residents have expressed concern over lack of approach roads to the newly constructed bus stand in Pattukottai in Thanjavur district. The ₹20-crore project is nearing completion

Activists and local residents have expressed concern over lack of approach roads to the newly constructed bus stand in Pattukottai in Thanjavur district. The ₹20-crore project is nearing completion.

Located at Nariyampalayam about 3.5 km from the existing old bus stand in Pattukottai, the new bus stand is being built on 6.5 acres under the joint execution of the Pattukottai Municipality and the Department of Drinking Water Supply. With over 80% of the work completed since construction began in 2023, the facility is expected to be inaugurated in two months.

However, activists point out that the bus stand, meant to decongest traffic and accommodate more buses, may fail to serve its purpose because of poor connectivity. “The bus stand is situated along Raja Madam river, nearly 1 km from the main Thanjavur–Pattukottai Road. The connecting road is only about 4.5 to 5 metres wide,” said V. Veerasenan, president of the Nasuni Bed Dam Farmers’ Association.

“The road is so narrow that not even two buses can pass simultaneously. One end of the road leads to Thanjavur and Pattukottai Road, and the other end to Santhankadu Panchayat via an even narrower stretch,” he said and added that the existing conditions were already causing difficulties to private college buses that use the same route.

“This is the first time I have seen a major bus stand being constructed without proper access on both ends. It will be a huge burden on commuters and completely impractical once the stand is operational,” Mr. Veerasenan added.

A senior official from the Pattukottai Municipality acknowledged the issue. “We have submitted a proposal for ₹1.5 crore to widen the existing 5-metre road to 9 metres. The proposal includes removal of encroachments along the stretch,” the official said.

The official told The Hindu that the process may take longer than the time taken for the completion of the bus stand.