Trichy: Nearly a year after the Integrated Bus Terminus (IBT) at Panjapur was commissioned, key bus interchange points in the city's core areas continue to lack basic passenger amenities. Mannarpuram, TVS Tollgate and Palpannai—still handling substantial commuter traffic—remain without adequate parking, shelters and public toilets, causing severe inconvenience, especially during the summer.
Current scenario at transit hubs
With the Panjapur terminus located about 6 km from Mannarpuram and farther from other central areas, many passengers continue to board and alight at these transit hubs to save time and travel costs. Commuters bound for Pudukottai largely use TVS Tollgate, those heading towards Thanjavur and the Cauvery delta rely on Palpannai, while Mannarpuram serves passengers travelling to Dindigul and Manapparai. The lack of shelters has left passengers exposed to the heat, with women and children among the worst affected. Families often park two-wheelers near bus stops as nearby private parking facilities are frequently full.
Activist raises concerns
"Passenger facilities have not improved over the past year. Proper shelters are missing at key boarding points. Parking can be created under the Mannarpuram bridge, where space remains underutilised," said H Ghouse Baig, a consumer rights activist from Khajamalai. Bus operators, both from TNSTC and the private sector, said passenger volumes at these hubs remain steady, with many regular commuters preferring central boarding points over Panjapur. The absence of basic amenities has also led to unhygienic conditions, with instances of open urination reported near the SETC depot wall at TVS Tollgate and near the Mannarpuram Military Ground—tarnishing the city's image in cleanliness rankings.
Pending civic projects
Civic projects such as a proposed parking facility at the Ponmalai zonal office complex and a new shelter at Mannarpuram have yet to take off. Corporation officials said steps to develop amenities near the transit points would be taken after the election model code of conduct is lifted.
