Service extension of two Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation buses from Namakkal district to Coimbatore via Kokkarayanpettai bridge has raised hopes about putting to use ‘46 Pudur’ bus stand that was constructed a year ago.
The two buses: one originating from Namakkal and plying via ParamathiVelur, Jedarpalayam, Solasiramani, and Kokarayanpettai in Nammakaldistrict and Ezhumathur, Avalpoondurai, Vellodu, and Perundurai in Erode district; and the other originating from Jedarpalayam along the same route pass through the ‘46 Pudur’ bus stand along the Ring Road.
But, there is no indication yet about the utilisation of the facility categorised as en-route bus stand that would be of high utility to Coimbatore-bound passengers from Lakhapuram and Anaikalpalayam areas.
The bus stand was constructed last year at a cost of Rs. 1.53 crore with SCPAR (Scheme Component of Pooled Assigned Revenue) funding. The bus stand has separate entrance and exit arches, 10 shops, bays to accommodate 10 buses, toilets and a room to relax for drivers and conductors.
The third phase of Ring Road project linking Anaikalpalayam with Thindal is in progress and once it is completed, all Coimbatore-bound buses from Namakkal could be operated along the new route, without having to enter Erode city. The ‘46 Pudur’ bus stand would be put to full use only then, according to official sources.
