Key tasks such as laying the approach road from Karur Road, electrical installations, painting and fixing tiles remain incomplete.
| Photo Credit: M. GOVARTHAN
The Corporation is awaiting government funds of approximately ₹15 crore to complete the satellite bus stand in Solar on Karur Road, which was originally scheduled for completion in August 2024.
The Comprehensive Mobility Plan for the Erode Local Planning Area highlighted the need for bus stands on the city’s outskirts to support overall development. Consequently, two bus stands were proposed, one at Solar and the other near Kanirowther Lake on Sathy Road.
The bus stand at Solar was planned at a cost of ₹63.50 crore on 19.9 acres of Corporation land. The foundation stone was laid on August 18, 2022, with a scheduled completion timeline of two years. Although the project was progressing on schedule and over 92% of the work was complete, progress has slowed over the past eight months, reportedly due to the pending release of ₹15 crore from the State government. Key tasks such as laying the approach road from Karur Road, electrical installations, painting and fixing tiles remain incomplete due to minimal progress in recent months.
The Corporation’s attempts to generate revenue by auctioning the 134 shops and other spaces on the premises have also faced setbacks, with only 14 shops successfully auctioned on March 5. The delay in completing the works has led to reduced interest from traders in occupying the shops.
On March 3, D. Karthikeyan, Principal Secretary to the Government, Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, inspected the bus stand.
A senior Corporation engineer informed The Hindu that funds were requested from the government and following Mr. Karthikeyan’s inspection, the process was expedited. “The government could release funds anytime, after which the remaining works would be completed within two months,” the engineer added.
Once completed, the facility will be opened for public use, with buses to southern districts operating from Solar.
Published – March 19, 2025 05:51 pm IST