4 days ago
Outdated bus routes keep Trichy's intracity services poor
Trichy: Trichy city can boast the state's second largest and sophisticated Integrated Bus Terminus (IBT) at Panjapur, but TNSTC's bus services connecting major destinations within the city have not evolved proportionally to meet the dynamic travel patterns of passengers.
Commercial streets, religious centres, and educational hubs in the city are not directly connected by city buses, forcing passengers to board multiple buses to reach destinations located within a 10-12 km radius.
People from K K Nagar and Ponmalaipatti, two densely populated and developing areas, lack direct buses to the IBT. Passengers heading to Lalgudi and Manachanallur towns have no direct buses from IBT either.
Instead, they commute to Chathiram bus terminus to reach those two towns. Kattur and Thiruverumbur, a developing commercial hub, are not directly connected by buses to Thillai Nagar, the city's major medical hub.
It's worth noting that the Trichy region of TNSTC Kumbakonam division operates 287 city buses.
"TNSTC should suggest new and high-demanding routes to promote public transport and prevent traffic congestion.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Aged people cannot board two buses to reach destinations within the city," Kallai Venkat, a frequent commuter, said. At least, 10 prominent destinations in the city and suburbs remain not directly connected by TNSTC, forcing people to opt for personal vehicles or auto rickshaws for daily commute.
While bus routes were not reorganised based on changing travel patterns in decades, TNSTC insiders blamed lack of adequate buses for the poor connectivity.
While Trichy city and the urban agglomeration population have breached 15 lakh, TNSTC has been operating the same 300-odd city buses in recent years. "Elcot IT Park has a four-lane road, but TNSTC fails to see the potential of operating new buses on new routes such as between Trichy airport and Thiruverumbur," R Thiruvenkadam, a road safety activist, added.
Bus enthusiasts opined that TNSTC Trichy region, being managed from the division's headquarters in Kumbakonam 100km away, is the main reason for the lack of innovative approach and periodical supervision to strengthen connectivity and modernise fleet.
A separate division for Trichy carving districts like Trichy, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Karur, and Pudukottai out of Kumbakonam division could streamline such lapses, the enthusiasts added.
A senior TNSTC official said, "Recently, we launched a new route connecting Panjapur with Samayapuram via Trichy-Chennai national highway. It is a hit among passengers. More such routes will be identified and proposed, and connectivity will improve gradually."
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