Kanchipuram's New Suburban Bus Terminal: A Milestone Decision at Ponnerikarai with 19 Acres Allocated

Decision Reached for New Bus Terminal: 19 Acres Selected in Ponnerikarai Kanchipuram:

The long-standing issue of finding a suitable location for the Kanchipuram suburban bus terminal has finally been resolved. District Collector Kalaichelvi has approved 19 acres of government land in Ponneri Karai for the terminal. Following this directive, fencing work around the site has commenced under the supervision of the municipal corporation.

Kanchipuram, a prominent district in Tamil Nadu known for its contribution to industrial growth, still grapples with basic infrastructure issues. Among them, the lack of a suburban bus terminal has been a major concern.

The existing bus terminal, located in the heart of Kanchipuram, was established 50 years ago on 7 acres of land. It continues to serve despite the increasing demands of modern transportation. On average, 300 buses operate from this terminal daily. However, due to the presence of a bus depot and shops within the terminal premises, space constraints have worsened over the years.

Additionally, buses entering the city center cause significant traffic congestion in areas such as Rettai Mandalam, Rajaveedhi, and Kamarajar Salai. Moreover, there are no direct bus services to western districts like Dharmapuri, Coimbatore, Krishnagiri, Erode, and Tiruppur.

The Need for a Suburban Bus Terminal

The necessity for a suburban bus terminal along the Chennai-Bengaluru National Highway was recognized over a decade ago. In 2017, during the previous AIADMK administration, then-Chief Minister Palaniswami announced plans to establish a new terminal.

Several locations, including Keelakadhirpur, were considered, but land acquisition proved to be a challenge. Later, a decision was made to acquire private land near Anna University. However, the government was unwilling to allocate ₹26 crore as compensation, leading to the cancellation of the plan.

Subsequently, an attempt was made to acquire land owned by a private trust. However, legal complications arose when the trust opposed the acquisition, filing a case in court.

The Final Resolution

Amid ongoing challenges, a breakthrough was achieved when 19 acres of government-owned wasteland near Ponneri Karai was identified as a suitable location. This site is strategically located near the entrance to Kanchipuram city and close to a newly constructed bridge. District Collector Kalaichelvi issued an order allocating the land for the bus terminal.

With this directive, the establishment of the suburban bus terminal at a prime location on the national highway has been confirmed. Fencing work around the allocated land has already begun under the municipal corporation's initiative.

Project Funding

The Tamil Nadu government had earmarked ₹38 crore for this project over a year ago. With the land now finalized, the funds are set to be utilized. This resolution marks the end of a decade-long struggle to establish a suburban bus terminal for Kanchipuram.

Planned Development

While 19 acres have been allocated, the exact area to be used for the terminal will be decided soon. It is expected that 10 to 12 acres will be utilized for the terminal, with provisions for facilities like a transport office. Transportation department officials will need to coordinate with the district administration to finalize these details.

Tenders for the construction are expected to be issued within a month, and work is anticipated to begin shortly thereafter.

Kalaichelvi, Collector, Kanchipuram

We are working on securing the allocated land by erecting protective fencing. The construction of the bus terminal will commence soon, as administrative approval has already been granted. Approximately 10 to 12 acres will be utilized for the terminal. If additional facilities like a transport office are needed, the respective departments must approach the district administration.

Insights into Land Selection

The government land in Ponneri Karai was selected after years of deliberation and legal scrutiny. Situated near private educational institutions and at the entrance to Kanchipuram on the national highway, the land faced significant opposition from private trusts.

Despite numerous petitions, legal interventions, and resistance from private entities, the current administration resolved the disputes. After months of investigation and verification of ownership documents, the government confirmed its authority over the land.

Collector Kalaichelvi’s decisive action last week has paved the way for the construction of the terminal. The fencing work is now underway, marking the first step towards addressing Kanchipuram's long-standing transportation challenges.

Naveendran, Commissioner, Kanchipuram Municipal Corporation

We have initiated fencing work around the allocated land. Construction work for the terminal will begin soon. Tenders will be floated within a month, and we are committed to completing this project promptly.”

This resolution signifies a significant step toward addressing traffic congestion and improving transportation infrastructure in Kanchipuram.