Delayed bus stand renovation leaves passengers stranded in Madurai

Madurai: Passengers at the MGR Bus Stand in Mattuthavani continue to face difficulties as renovation work on multiple platforms remains incomplete, forcing commuters to navigate overcrowded platforms and buses.

Renovation work on platforms seven and eight, which began earlier this year and was scheduled to be completed by the end of May, is only around 70% complete. While the main structure has been finished, interior works, wiring and other pending works are yet to be completed.

Even before work on the two platforms could be completed, demolition and renovation work on platforms five and six has also begun, adding to the congestion inside the bus stand.

Passengers said the delays have caused confusion and inconvenience. “The work was initially expected to be completed by March-end and later by May-end. Still, it has not been finished,” said Murugan, a regular commuter. “Earlier, buses from platforms seven and eight were temporarily shifted near platforms five and six. Now even that space has been closed,” he said.

Passengers also pointed out that safety arrangements around the construction areas were inadequate. Though warning signs have been placed near the work zones, many commuters either miss them in the crowd or ignore them. With insufficient barricades and protective netting, people often walk through construction areas to avoid overcrowded pathways.

Balamurugan Palani, president of Madurai Infra and Development (MID), questioned the decision to begin renovation work on additional platforms before completing the earlier phase. “The work should have been carried out in phases to minimise inconvenience to the public,” he said.

He warned that the situation could worsen once schools reopen in the coming weeks, increasing passenger traffic at the bus stand. “The crowd will intensify, making movement difficult and likely causing delays in bus operations,” he added.

A senior corporation official said the work on platforms seven and eight was delayed due to the election period but would be completed soon. “The overall renovation project will be completed on schedule, which is why work on the other platforms has also started,” the official said.