Coimbatore Consumer Cause (CCC) has sought a probe by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) into the alleged misuse of ₹2.64 crore sanctioned for 32 bus bays and shelters on both sides of Avinashi Road in the city.

In the petition, dated July 14, to the DVAC, CCC secretary K. Kathirmathiyon said the Highways Department had been sanctioned funds for the shelters as part of the Avinashi Road flyover project. The Department, however, released ₹2.64 crore to the Coimbatore Corporation for bus shelter construction on March 24, 2025.

The petitioner questioned the transfer of funds to the Corporation and sought details of their utilisation and whether the expenditure conformed to the sanctioned purpose and applicable Indian Roads Congress norms.

It alleged that the shelters had carried commercial advertisements for nearly a year. The forum questioned whether the shelters were indeed funded and erected using the ₹2.64 crore released by the government or through advertising agencies, as is the usual practice for commercially sponsored bus shelters, and whether such commercial use was permissible under the applicable government, court and Indian Roads Congress norms.

It also questioned whether the Highways Department was aware of or had consented to the commercial use of the government-funded shelters.

Mr. Kathirmathiyon urged the DVAC to verify the sanction, release and utilisation of the amount, ascertain the actual expenditure and examine the role of officials concerned in the Highways Department and Corporation.

He sought recovery of the amount and crediting it back to the government account if it was found not to have been used for the sanctioned purpose, besides action against those responsible.

Published - August 17, 2026 06:31 pm IST