The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) and private bus operators have proposed plans to relocate bus operations from the existing Central Bus Terminus to the Integrated Bus Terminus (IBT) at Panjapur, which is expected to become operational by May, 2025.

TNSTC has confirmed that all mofussil bus operations will be moved to the new facility. However, a decision regarding the relocation of city bus services is yet to be finalised.

Private bus operators have indicated preparedness for the move and noted that fares may rise, as the IBT is located approximately 7 km from the Central Bus Stand.

"Since the origin and termination points of all private buses will shift to the Panjapur IBT, adjustments in ticketing stages will be necessary. This may result in an increase in fares by around Rs. 4 due to the additional distance covered," said R. Dharmarajan, Secretary of the Federation of Bus Operators Association of Tamil Nadu.

The district administration and Tiruchirappalli Corporation recently invited stakeholders-including Regional Transport Officers and private bus operators-to inspect the IBT facility.

According to sources, the two-level terminus is designed to accommodate city buses on the first floor and mofussil buses on the ground floor. The levels will be connected by 12 lifts and escalators.

Bus bays have been allocated based on the frequency of services and passenger volumes, including designated bays for buses operating towards Thanjavur and the delta districts. As per the final layout, the IBT will have 401 bus bays-56 for city buses, 141 for long-distance services, and 120 for mofussil operations.

As the IBT is a fully air-conditioned facility, it has been categorised as a 'Special Grade Bus Stand' by the Department of Municipal Administration. Buses using the facility will be charged a daily user fee of Rs. 25 (US$ 0.40).

Bus service frequency may increase at the time of the IBT's inauguration, with TNSTC considering the introduction of additional buses. According to official sources, low-floor buses are also under consideration.

In addition, the local administration has initiated the process of transferring 14,973.4 square metres of land near the Panjapur IBT to TNSTC for the development of a bus depot and maintenance yard.

Integrated Bus Terminus - Key Specifications

- Lifts and Escalators: 12
- Total Bus Bays: 401
- City Buses: 56
- Short Trip Buses: 84
- Long-Distance Buses: 141
- Mofussil Buses: 120

Parking Capacity:
- Four-Wheelers: 216
- Autorickshaws: 100
- Two-Wheelers: 1,935

Current Operations at Central Bus Stand

- Total Departures per Day: 3,125
- Mofussil Buses: 2,395
- City Buses: 730
- Average Daily Footfall: 100,000 passengers