Commuters, mostly women, from Poosimalaikuppam, Kannadi Maligai, Athiyur, and Kottamedu villages protested at the bus depot of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), Villupuram division, in Arani town in Tiruvannamalai, demanding extension of bus services to these villages and Vellore town.

Residents said that the bus service between Arani town and Poosimalaikuppam, around 20 km in distance, had been operating since 1990.

The lone bus service operates six trips to the village every day. “Students, farmers and officegoers have to travel to adjoining Poosimalaikuppam village to board buses to reach Arani, the nearest town that has a bus depot, for further travel. Extension of the bus service and a new bus to Vellore town will end our ordeal,” said B. Shanthi, a commuter from Athiyur village. 

Commuters said that the bus service, at present, halted at Poosimalaikuppam village before returning to the bus depot in Arani town. Commuters from neighbouring Kannadimaligai, Athiyur, and Kottamedu farming villages have to trek six kilometres to reach the bus stop in Poosimalaikuppam village.

More importantly, they have to navigate through Poosimalaikuppam Reserve Forest (RF) to reach the nearest bus stop at Pudupalayam Koot Road in the village. Students, especially girls, have to return home early after school hours to avoid walking in the forests during night. Traders and farmers in these three villages also find it challenging to travel safely on the route after they get down from the bus at Poosimalaikuppam village.

Commuters said that they have been demanding extension of the bus service and a direct bus service to Vellore town for more than three decades. A direct bus to Vellore town will benefit farmers in the region to transport farm produce to wholesale markets in town. Despite several petitions to the District Collector, commuters said that no action was taken.

TNSTC officials said that a field survey was conducted on the feasibility of extending the bus service to three villages on the route as it would involve additional operating costs for the State exchequer. Officials said that a report for extension of the existing bus services was sent to higher officials of TNSTC. “We have sent the demands of residents to senior TNSTC officials at Villupuram division for extension of bus services. A new bus service to Vellore will be studied,” S. Vinayagam, Branch Manager, TNSTC depot (Arani), told The Hindu.

Protestors dispersed peacefully after assurance from transport officials and the police that efforts would be taken to fulfil their demands.