Revival of Vellalore Bus Terminal Project: Will the Construction Work Resume Again?

The Vellalore Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT) project, proposed in 2019 with a budget of ₹168 crore, aimed to create a major transport hub, including a mofussil bus stand, omnibus stand, and town bus stand.

The foundation stone for this project was laid by then Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani in January 2020. The AIADMK government started the 61.81-acre project, but since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, work on it has stopped.

Following the pandemic, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) suspended construction, and it hasn’t started back up since the government changed. Approximately 37% of the project has been finished so far, at a cost of ₹52.46 crore. However, CCMC is awaiting the release of ₹84 crore from the state government to continue.

The Vellalore IBT revival committee and the local people stand for the project’s revival. As the committee’s organizer, K.S. Mohan highlighted the value of the IBT for the local economy, pointing out that the community has had to deal with material and financial hardships due to the city’s dump yard.

“We’re willing to contribute funds under the Namakku Naame scheme if needed, and we believe that this project can transform our town,” Mohan said, demonstrating the community’s support.

Having already spent ₹52.46 crore, the CCMC has finished about 37% of the construction work. On the other hand, they are awaiting the release of the ₹84 crore state government’s portion of the funding. CCMC Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran mentioned that a report has been sent to the government with recommendations from the Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES), but no decision has been made yet.

 With mounting pressure from the community and social activists, the revival of the IBT project remains a key issue for Vellalore’s development. Locals hope that the government will soon release the required funds and bring the project back on track.

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