The Coimbatore Corporation has sanctioned an additional ₹3.6 crore for critical concrete road works at the Ukkadam bus terminus's second terminal to ensure durability against heavy traffic.

Key Takeaways

  • Additional ₹3.6 crore allocated for concrete road works at Ukkadam Terminal-2.
  • ₹1.99 crore for internal bus corridors and ₹1.66 crore for the Sungam bypass exit.
  • Decision driven by weak soil conditions near Ukkadam Big Tank.
  • Projected completion within the next two months.

In a significant move to bolster urban transit infrastructure, the Coimbatore Corporation has announced an additional allocation of ₹3.6 crore for the ongoing construction of the second terminal at the Ukkadam bus terminus. This supplementary funding aims to address specific engineering challenges that arose during the development of the site.

Breakdown of the Additional Expenditure

The civic body has floated separate tenders to manage this increased cost. The budget is divided into two primary components: ₹1.99 crore for laying a robust concrete pavement along the internal bus movement corridor, and ₹1.66 crore for the construction of a concrete exit road that connects the terminus to the Sungam bypass.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this is not merely a budget overrun but a strategic engineering necessity. The terminus is situated in close proximity to the Ukkadam Big Tank (Periyakulam), an area characterized by relatively weak soil. Standard asphalt roads would likely succumb to the immense pressure exerted by heavy buses, necessitating thicker, more durable concrete pavements to ensure longevity.

Prioritizing concrete over conventional road surfaces in high-load, soft-soil zones is a vital step toward preventing frequent and costly repairs in the future.

Historical Context of the Project

The entire twin-terminal project at Ukkadam was originally estimated at ₹21.55 crore. While Terminal-1, costing approximately ₹13 crore, is already operational, the remaining ₹8.55 crore was initially set aside for Terminal-2. The new allocation brings the total investment significantly higher, reflecting the complexity of modernizing Coimbatore's transport hubs.

Did You Know?: Once fully operational, the upgraded Ukkadam terminus will feature 58 bus bays and the capacity to accommodate roughly 80 buses simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why was the original budget insufficient?
The increase was necessitated by rising construction material costs and the specific requirement for thicker concrete due to the local soil's instability.

2. What facilities will the new terminal offer?
The terminal will include three toilet blocks, two commercial complexes, tensile roofing, and specialized amenities like lactation rooms and passenger seating.