Despite representations from various unions, the authorities concerned have ruled out permitting autorickshaws to be parked inside the Integrated Bus Terminus at Panjapur in Tiruchi.
| Photo Credit: M. MOORTHY
The integrated bus terminus at Panjapur, meant to streamline public transport and enhance travel experience for commuters, is grappling with a significant issue: overcrowding and unregulated parking of autorickshaws which do not have a designated space.
Autorickshaws swarm the entry and exit points of the terminus, encroaching pedestrian space and creating inconvenience for commuters. The elderly and those with luggage struggle to navigate through the haphazardly parked vehicles amid the chaos.
Despite the modern infrastructure, the terminus lacks a dedicated autorickshaw stand, say commuters.
Pre-paid autos
Commuters have urged the authorities to introduce pre-paid autorickshaw services and set up dedicated a share autorickshaw stand as drivers demand ₹100 to ₹200 extra.
Autorickshaw drivers say the absence of a proper stand leaves them with no choice. “Although we have been permitted to park near the facility, not many passengers opt for autorickshaws as they can easily reach the Central and Chathiram stands by city buses. The business is dull and we hardly get two customers a day,” said Arokiyakumar, an autorickshaw driver.
According to sources, over 260 autorickshaws were operating around the Central bus stand. Drivers of these autorickshaws are now finding it tough to make ends meet without a dedicated stand near the new bus terminus at Panjapur.
Insufficient space
Meanwhile, about 180 autorickshaw drivers from Panjapur, Ramachandra Nagar, Edamalaipattipudur, and Crawford areas have been allotted space at the rear end of the terminus to set up a stand. The autorickshaws, which were operating near the Central Bus Stand, have been asked to park their vehicles in front of the facility. However, the parking space can accommodate hardly 100 autorickshaws.
Although many autorickshaw unions have approached the authorities for a dedicated space, they have been told that a parking will not be permitted within the terminus. “The officials should take steps to streamline and regulate the parking of autorickshaws and provide a permanent solution to the issue,” said K. Sureshkumar, CPI councillor of Ward No. 23.
Published – August 09, 2025 06:55 pm IST
