Commuters seek better facilities at SETC bus stand in Coimbatore

Commuters using the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) bus stand at Gandhipuram in Coimbatore city have sought improvement in basic facilities at the terminal.

The bus stand, spread over around one acre, operates 66 services through the Coimbatore SETC branch, connecting destinations such as Chennai, Tirupati, and Bengaluru. In addition, about 40 services operated by other SETC branches connect places including Tirunelveli, Puducherry, and Thanjavur. Around 30 services of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation and the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation also operate from the terminal.

S. Dharshini, a passenger travelling to Chennai, said the bus stand becomes crowded at night and offers very limited seating. “Hardly 25 people can be seated inside, and there is no parking space for two-wheelers. Though ₹10 is collected for toilet use, the facilities are not clean and it emanates a foul smell,” she said.

Sravan Kumar, a passenger from Andhra Pradesh, said the bus stand lacks overall hygiene and clear signages. “Buses are parked side by side at the front instead of the designated bays. There is no drinking water, and during peak hours people gather at multiple points without knowing where the buses will arrive. Families with elderly members and children are left standing with luggage while waiting for the buses,” he said.

The district administration had mooted shifting the bus stand to Mettupalayam Road opposite the MGR Wholesale Market, citing space constraints and congestion.

However, a senior SETC official said there were no plans at present to renovate or shift the bus stand. The official said requirements such as improving seating arrangements, signage boards, and platform markings would be placed before senior officials in Chennai. “The bus stand was last renovated about 10 years ago. Issues related to toilet maintenance and charges will be addressed,” the official said.

The official added that congestion was reported during peak hours between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., when most services depart. There were traffic issues because private buses stopped on the roadside for passenger pick-up. “The available space is sufficient to operate services, and there is no official proposal to shift the bus stand,” the official said.