In a significant development for urban infrastructure in Trichy, Municipal Administration Minister K N Nehru officially opened the new satellite bus terminus for Srirangam on Thursday. The terminus, strategically located on Gandhi Road near the iconic Rajagopuram of the Ranganathaswamy Temple, is set to transform local transit and ease long-standing traffic woes.
A Long-Awaited Solution to Traffic Congestion
Addressing the public, Minister Nehru emphasized that the district administration and Trichy city police will closely monitor and regulate vehicular movement around the new facility to eliminate bottlenecks. He stated that the entry and exit points would be under strict surveillance to ensure smooth flow. "A long-time dream of Srirangam residents is fulfilled," Nehru declared, noting that the approach roads had already been widened in preparation.
The new terminus, constructed at a cost of ₹11.1 crore on one acre of land near the Trichy Corporation's zonal office, is designed to accommodate eight city buses at a time. This move will allow authorities to relocate buses currently parked on the crowded EVS Street to this dedicated, organized space.
Multi-Utility Facility with Convention Hall
Beyond its primary function, the bus stand boasts a versatile first floor. It houses a small convention hall with 370 seats and a dining hall capable of serving 200 guests simultaneously. According to Corporation officials, this space will be available on a rental basis for art events, exhibitions, and other functions, adding a community and cultural dimension to the infrastructure project.
Political Queries and Further Inaugurations
During the event, Minister Nehru also fielded questions on the upcoming assembly elections and the DMK alliance's prospects. He expressed confidence, stating, "The DMK-led alliance is sailing smoothly." When specifically asked if the Trichy East constituency would be allocated to alliance partner MDMK, Nehru indicated that the final decision rests with the Chief Minister, and party workers would abide by that command.
He also highlighted the government's track record, adding, "DMK's election manifesto committee will be the hero. A team headed by MP Kanimozhi is working on it. We executed 85% of promises made in 2021, despite the fund crunch induced by the central govt."
Later in the day, the minister inaugurated a roadside park at Thillai Nagar, developed by the corporation at a cost of ₹1.5 crore. The park features a walking track, stone benches, and a dedicated children's play area, contributing to the city's green and recreational spaces.
The inauguration of the Srirangam satellite bus terminus marks a concrete step towards decongesting the temple town's core areas and improving public transport efficiency, a demand voiced by locals and pilgrims for years.
