Construction of Ukkadam bus stand in Coimbatore to take off after State government sanctions funds

Coimbatore Corporation awaits State government approval for ₹29 crore bus stand project in Ukkadam to ease city traffic.

The Coimbatore Corporation’s plan to construct a new bus stand in Ukkadam in Coimbatore city is delayed as the civic body awaits the State government’s sanction of funds for the revised estimate of ₹29 crore for the project.

The Ukkadam bus stand, which was partially demolished in January 2023 to facilitate the construction of the now-completed Ukkadam flyover, was to be developed by the Corporation into a new facility with two terminals. Terminal one will be located adjacent to the down ramp on Selvapuram Road, and Terminal two will be at the existing site. Together, the terminals will occupy approximately 6.5 acres.

The project aims to ease traffic congestion within the city with better management of both, town and inter-city bus services. The new bus stand is estimated to handle approximately 1,100 trips daily, covering routes to Pollachi, Palani, Udumalpet, and Palakkad.

Terminal one, spanning 13,250 sq. mt, is designed to include 28 bus bays, a commercial complex housing 17 retail outlets, restroom facilities, two food courts, a passenger waiting area, a ticket booking counter, and a security room. Terminal two, covering an equal area, will feature 30 bus bays and have similar amenities.

A dedicated parking facility with capacity for 32 cars and 100 two-wheelers is also being planned, complemented by foot overbridges connecting the two terminals.

Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran told The Hindu that the Detailed Project Report (DPR), originally estimated at ₹21.55 crore, was revised to ₹29 crore following the inclusion of additional components recommended during vetting of the proposal by IIT Madras. The revised report was submitted three months ago.

“The State government is yet to sanction the funds. The project will commence once the requisite funding is approved,” the Commissioner said.