Panjapur Bus Terminus Lacks Essential Maintenance Yards

A year after its commissioning, Trichy's Panjapur KKBT integrated bus terminus is operating without dedicated depots and maintenance yards for TNSTC and SETC buses. Currently, these government buses continue to utilize the older depots situated near the now-decommissioned Central bus stand, causing significant operational challenges. Buses requiring emergency repairs or routine maintenance must travel approximately 20 km to reach these distant depots, incurring substantial extra fuel costs and reducing operational efficiency.

The lack of on-site maintenance facilities places immense pressure on bus crew members, who are responsible for the safe transit of vehicles and passengers to the depots. In concerning incidents, some buses needing repair have been observed carrying passengers, posing a risk to public safety. This situation contrasts sharply with other major bus terminuses across the state, including the recently commissioned Kilambakkam terminus, which feature integrated maintenance facilities.

Union representatives have highlighted that the operational schedules have not been revised since the shift to Panjapur, and these extended maintenance trips further disrupt punctuality. Although land was initially allocated for a depot at Panjapur, the project has stalled, with TNSTC yet to identify compensatory land for the local corporation. A senior TNSTC official stated that while there is no revenue loss, securing land for depots at Panjapur KKBT is a policy matter for the government to pursue.