Tiruchi’s Panjapur Bus Terminus Boasts Modern Amenities, Lacks Autorickshaw Stand

Quick Summary

• The Integrated Bus Terminus at Panjapur, Tiruchi, faces overcrowding issues due to unregulated autorickshaw parking near entry and exit points.
• Despite advanced infrastructure, the terminus lacks a designated autorickshaw stand, causing inconvenience to commuters, especially the elderly and those with luggage.
• Commuters have requested pre-paid autorickshaw services and a shared stand as fares reportedly range between ₹100-₹200 extra.
• Autorickshaw drivers report reduced buisness due to the absence of proper parking facilities closer to the terminus; many struggle to earn more than two daily customers.
• Approximately 180 auto drivers have been allocated limited parking space at the rear end of the terminus or asked to park in front-capacity constraints allow only around 100 vehicles.
• Auto unions have appealed for dedicated parking repeatedly but were told it won’t be permitted inside the facility.
• Local CPI councillor K. Sureshkumar has called for streamlined regulations and a permanent resolution.

indian Opinion Analysis

The unregulated state of auto-rickshaw operations at Panjapur’s new bus terminus reveals gaps in urban transport planning despite attempts at modernized infrastructure advancement in Tiruchi. While establishing pre-paid services or designated stands could alleviate commuter struggles and offer fairer fare systems, care must also be taken that economically strained autorickshaw operators find enduring solutions without displacing their business completely.

Moreover, limiting auto access purely outside key transport hubs can unintentionally harm last-mile connectivity-the vital link between public transportation networks and commuter destinations-undermining efforts toward efficient urban mobility frameworks India is striving for nationwide.

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