Renovation work delayed at Mattuthavani bus stand

Madurai: Renovation work at the MGR bus stand in Mattuthavani that was slated for completion by the second week of March is still lingering on, leaving passengers and shopowners upset over the pace of work.Platforms seven and eight at the bus stand were shut at the end of Jan for restoration work that is part of a major facelift for the bus stand, aimed at improving passenger facilities. Earlier, officials said the work would be completed by the second week of March, but the platforms are nowhere near completion, with only the roofing work being partially completed.Passengers recognised the need for the upgrade, calling it long overdue, but they questioned the delay in completing the work. "The improved facilities such as charging ports, accessible drinking water, better-equipped shops, and other accessibility features are much-needed, but it seems like the work will not be completed anytime soon," said M Sami, a resident of Madurai returning from Virudhunagar.He added that the passengers also face difficulty in finding the buses, as the buses that normally stop at platforms seven and eight are sharing space on platforms five and six.Work for the upgraded underground drainage (UGD) system has also been left unfinished and loose debris lines the pedestrian walkway, kicking up dust and forcing flower vendors to take up more space assigned for walking.A corporation official said the renovation work is on track. "Work is continuing at a steady pace and will be completed in the coming months. The primary construction work for the roofing and the pillars will be completed shortly, following which the shops will be set up," he said, adding that the work will be completed by the end of May. The official said plans are in place to upgrade the remaining platforms by early 2027.Regarding the UGD work, the official said the debris would be cleared by the end of the month and space would be returned to pedestrians.