The construction of a multi-utility facilities centre (MUFC) at Panjapur on Tiruchi – Madurai National Highway has been nearly completed, with only final-stage works now in progress.

The air-conditioned facility has been developed on 6.40 acres near Kalaignar Karunanidhi Integrated Bus Terminus at a cost of ₹144.58 crore. Constructed by Tiruchi Corporation, the project was taken up alongside the integrated bus terminus project. However, the work was delayed as priority was given to completing the bus terminus first.

According to officials, finishing works such as tile laying and lift installation are underway and are expected to be completed within the next few weeks. The civic body is planning to commission the facility soon. The Corporation floated a tender in January to identify a private agency to operate and maintain the facility for 15 years under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. However, the agency is yet to be finalised.

The centre has been designed to improve passenger convenience by providing retail outlets, food courts, and essential services for travellers using the bus terminus. A pedestrian bridge has also been established to connect the top floor of the Panjapur bus terminus directly to the centre.

The facility will have ground plus four floors with the basement earmarked for accommodating 200 two-wheeler and 77 four-wheelers. Around 90 shops are planned on the ground floor, 36 shops, and 10 food stalls on the first floor, open-air commercial spaces of 644 square metres on the second, third, and fourth floors.

A separate sanitation complex will include 14 toilets for men, 28 for women, four for persons with disabilities, and 35 urinals. The project also includes six lifts, escalators, staircases to access the floors of the centre, and facilities for persons with disabilities. Advanced security measures, including CCTV cameras, fire safety system, and security room, are being set up to ensure passenger safety.