Coimbatore Pushes Ahead with Ukkadam, Gandhipuram Bus Stand Projects

In a major boost to the revival of urban transport, the Coimbatore Corporation has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Ukkadam Bus Stand to the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA), according to sources in the Corporation.

The Ukkadam Bus Stand was razed to make way for a flyover at Ukkadam, one of the three components of the Ukkadam flyover project, which was launched in 2018 and was inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in August 2024. Later, the State government sanctioned ₹20 crore for constructing two bus stands, one at the original site and another on empty land next to the flyover’s down ramp at Selvapuram Road.

After ensuring that the design was well-planned, experts from IIT-Madras were taken on board to visit the site and the inspection was carried out on 9th Dec 2024. The DPR’s preparation took longer than expected, as many modifications were required after interactions with Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). “CMRL intends to construct a station that would connect all four metro lines and we have reserved space for their pillars and station after discussions with them,” said Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran. A week ago, the DPR was submitted to the DMA, which recommended design and structural changes after the review. The IIT-Madras team will resubmit the paper at the end of two days after effecting the changes.

And the Corporation is undergoing another large transport hub upgrade. The DPR for the Gandhipuram Central Bus Stand (₹30 crore) is also under preparation and expected to be finalized in 15 days. The proposal features the demolition of the current building and the construction of an underground parking garage to facilitate commuters and ease congestion.

These projects are a testament to Coimbatore’s determination towards upgrading its transport infrastructure, the inclusion of metro connectivity and the enhancement of urban mobility among its population.