Chief Minister Jayalalithaa inaugurated the much-awaited omnibus terminus, constructed by Madurai Corporation at Maattuthavani here, through videoconferencing from Chennai on Wednesday.
The new bus stand came up on 14.5 acres of land at a cost of Rs.9.7 crore. Mayor V.V. Rajan Chellappa, after inspecting the bus terminus, told reporters that this terminus for private buses would help ease traffic on city roads.
“The omnibus terminus is one among the several developmental projects announced by the Chief Minister for Madurai. The terminus will be of great convenience to the public,” he said. Asking all private bus and travel operators to extend their full cooperation in maintaining the bus stand, Mr.Chellappa said drainage facility had been provided in the new terminus, which had 49 booking offices and 18 bus bays.
The new bus stand had got paver blocks, proper seating arrangements, modern toilets, adequate lighting facility and a compound wall, he added. A. Mathuram, City Engineer, Madurai Corporation, said 18 buses could be parked in the terminus at any point of time, and every bus would have half an hour of boarding time for their passengers.
“We have established two RO plants to provide drinking water. Tar roads were laid and the public announcement system was put in place. Surveillance cameras too will be installed,” Mr.Mathuram added.
The Corporation is also planning to set up a shopping complex inside the bus terminus. Corporation Commissioner Kiran Gurrala, Assistant Commissioner A. Devadoss and president of Madurai Omnibus and Travel Owners’ Association A. Mydeen Basha were among those who participated in the function.
