Construction of new bus stand in Nagapattinam gains momentum

District Collector P Akash inspected the ongoing construction works of the New bus stand in Sellur, Nagapattinam last week.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Construction of the new mofussil bus stand at Sellur in Nagapattinam, sanctioned under the Kalaignar Nagarpura Membattu Thittam (KNMT) 2023-24, is progressing at full swing. However, a four-month delay is now anticipated, pushing the expected completion date to early 2025.

The project, which officially commenced in September 2024, was initially expected to be completed by October this year. However, administrative delays, including pending fund transfers from the State government, have contributed to the extension of the timeline.

The new bus stand, being constructed at an estimated cost of ₹30.40 crore, spans 22,125 sq. m. and is designed to accommodate 30 bus bays, 80 shops, eight kiosks, a direct control room, two pay-and-use restrooms, a general public restroom, six ticket booking counters, a lactation room for mothers, two restaurants, an air-conditioned waiting hall, sanitation rooms, employee quarters, a manager’s office, designated parking areas for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, a CCTV surveillance room, a first-aid centre, and accommodation facilities for drivers and engineers. In total, the facility will house 113 rooms catering to various passenger and operational needs.

Nagapattinam is a prominent transit point due to its proximity to religious landmarks such as the Nagore Andavar Dargah, the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health at Velankanni, and the Singaravelar Temple at Sikkal. The need for a new bus stand arose as the current Perarignar Anna Bus Stand in Velipalayam, operational for over three decades, struggles to accommodate increasing traffic. Situated on a 4.5-acre land next to Avuri Thidal, the existing facility handles buses across Tamil Nadu, often resulting in congestion during peak hours.