Madurai: The municipal administration department has sanctioned Rs 15.5 crore for the renovation of Mattuthavani bus stand. Corporation officials said the project will introduce enhanced bus bays, revamped seating arrangements, dedicated nursing rooms for mothers, upgraded restrooms, and a revamped two-wheeler parking zone. The department has approved the detailed project report submitted by a consultant. With funds allocated by the state government, the tendering process will begin shortly, a senior corporation official said.
The redevelopment initiative was prompted by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s visit to the bus stand in September 2024, during which he pointed out several maintenance issues. Subsequently, corporation officials were asked to devise a comprehensive upgrade plan. Chenthur Raaghav Nagendran of A PLUS R Architects, the firm responsible for preparing the DPR, said they conducted soil assessments and stability analyses with experts from Anna University in Chennai. “Given the high cost of a full-scale renovation, we are prioritizing key concerns such as bus bays, sanitation facilities, and parking infrastructure in the initial phase,” he said.
Last year, the bus stand underwent minor enhancements for Rs 1.75 crore, including the installation of 30 additional passenger seats, a 30,000-litre overhead water tank, and two toilet complexes designed for differently-abled people. Transportation activist M Raj Kumar stressed the importance of proper upkeep rather than periodic refurbishments. “The cleaning workforce should be strengthened to accommodate the large volume of commuters. Instead of implementing phased improvements, a full-scale overhaul like the Periyar Bus Stand project, incorporating smart features like underground parking, should be undertaken,” he said.
Additionally, Madurai corporation has proposed a smart parking system under a public-private partnership (PPP) to address chronic parking challenges in the congested Mattuthavani area. The system, designed to enhance parking management and eliminate unauthorized fee collection, will have RFID sensors, boom barriers, and digital display boards. A senior corporation official said the smart parking initiative aims to streamline vehicle management at key locations including Mattuthavani bus stand, fruit market, vegetable market, and fish market. “This project is intended to optimize parking operations, boost revenue, and eradicate unauthorized activities,” he said.
