Vellalore bus terminus project to be scrapped?

COIMBATORE: Uncertainty looms large over the Vellalore Integrated Bus Terminus (IBT) project’s future with the State government and main opposition party locked in a war of words. While 20% of the work is complete, there is speculation that the project would be scrapped and that the IBT would come up in a different location.

The `168-crore project was proposed by the AIADMK government in 2019. A total of 61.62 acres was identified in Vellalore and then municipal administration minister SP Velumani laid the foundation in January 2020. Construction work was suspended due to Covid-19 and the DMK-led government shelved it.

The project was to be executed with 50% government funds and 50% of the corporation’s funds.  The CCMC applied for loan with the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO), but it was rejected over issues in land ownership. 

With the project in a limbo, the government and the AIADMK are accusing each other of having vested interests in the project. Citing presence of a dump yard and a proposal to build Coimbatore Metro Rail Project’s hub, the State government is looking for another location to establish the IBT. Meanwhile, Edappadi K Palaniswami warned of protests if the project is shifted. DMK sources said a few AIADMK big shots had purchased vast tracts of land near the proposed IBT location, and hence are opposing its relocation.

(For full story, visit www.newindianexpress.com)