MP sanctions Rs.83.50 lakh for erecting 16 bus shelters

Even as the corporation is all set to take up a project to refurbish bus shelters across Tiruchi with private participation, Tiruchi MP P. Kumar, AIADMK, has sanctioned Rs. 83.50 lakh for erecting 16 solar-powered modern bus shelters in the city. The modern bus shelters would be on the lines of the one installed in New Delhi and fitted with solar panels for lighting and come with a mobile phone charger, Mr. Kumar told The Hindu over phone.

The move comes amidst a corporation initiative to attract private sponsors to renovate the bus shelters, traffic islands and parks as part of the city beautification initiative.

The district authorities have already had a couple of rounds of meetings with private sponsors, at the behest of N.R.Sivapathi, Minister for School Education, Law, Youth Welfare and Sports.

According to sources in the corporation, the civic body is in the process of finalising the designs, estimates, and allocation of sites to private sponsors for development. There are about 240 bus shelters in the city. Sources indicated that the contract could be awarded in 25 packages. Meanwhile, Mr.Kumar has sanctioned funds from his MP’s Local Area Development Fund to erect 16 bus shelters. The type-design of the bus shelters is likely to be on the lines of the few modern bus shelters put up by the corporation in the city a few years ago, though their sizes could vary.

The bus shelters would come up at Karumandapam (3), Ponamalaipatti (2), Government Hospital at Puthur, Thennur High Road, Woraiyur Linga Nagar, Anna Statue near Chinthamani, Uyyakondan Thirumalai, Srirangam Amma Mandapam, Court campus, Head Post Office, TVS Tollgate, and G. Corner.

The new bus shelters would be set up at an estimate of about Rs.4.50 lakh on an average though the ones at GH and Anna Statue would entail an investment of Rs. 9 lakh and Rs. 7 lakh respectively. The shelters would be fitted with stainless steel seats for commuters.