Coimbatore Corp asked to account for ₹2.64 crore
The Coimbatore Corporation has been asked to account for ₹2.64 crore meant for 32 bus shelters on Avinashi Road, according to a recent directive from the Highways Department’s Special Projects Division.
Inspection and compliance demands
A letter dated May 27, 2026, has instructed the civic body to furnish a location-wise list of completed shelters, their exact chainages, dates of commencement and completion, and supporting photographs. The department also requested the Completion Certificate and the Utilisation Certificate for the funds remitted to the Corporation in March 2025.
The amount was remitted for construction at locations jointly identified by the Highways Department, the Corporation, and road safety committee officials. As part of the raised highway project from Goldwins to Uppilipalayam, the department acquired land and formed bus bays to ensure traffic safety and public convenience.
With the raised highway project completed, the department is preparing the completion report and closing project accounts. The Corporation has been asked to confirm that the shelters were constructed only at the jointly approved locations communicated by the department and that the shelters conform to the prescribed norms, safety standards, and traffic requirements.
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In addition to the documentary evidence, officials have indicated that a joint field verification may be arranged. Such an on‑site review would allow engineers from the highways division to cross‑check the physical attributes of each shelter against the submitted photographs and chainage records, thereby eliminating any discrepancy between reported and actual conditions.
Advertising and safety concerns
The department pointed out that, in accordance with a Supreme Court order, no advertisement panels, hoardings, flex boards, or other commercial displays should be allowed within the highways’ right of way or bus bays. It has sought confirmation of compliance with this rule.
K. Kathirmathiyon, member of the District Road Safety Committee, questioned the presence of advertisements on the shelters, said to have been built using government funds. The department has proposed joint field verification, if required, and asked the Corporation to furnish location-wise expenditure details and return any unutilised balance from the ₹2.64 crore deposit.
Meanwhile, Corporation Commissioner Katta Ravi Teja recently inspected the bus shelters along Avinashi Road with officials. The Corporation is examining locations for new shelters and modifications to some existing bus stops.
