Commuters stranded as govt. buses barred from entering Karaikudi railway station
Commuters at the newly renovated Karaikudi railway station are facing difficulties after authorities barred government buses from entering the premises. The restriction has forced passengers to walk long distances, allegedly to benefit local auto-rickshaw drivers.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights the tension between public transport accessibility and local private transport interests in infrastructure management.
Passengers arriving at the newly renovated Karaikudi railway station have complained about facing severe hardships after the railway administration barred government buses from entering the station premises.
The public alleged that the move was purportedly made to accommodate the demands of local auto-rickshaw drivers.
The railway station, which underwent a ₹20-crore modernisation last year, boasts of a sprawling campus equipped with dedicated parking and terminal facilities for both buses and auto-rickshaws. Serving an average of over 20 daily and weekly train services, it handles more than 6,000 commuters each day.
For months, however, State-run transport corporation buses have been forced to halt a quarter of a km away from the main exit. Commuters, particularly senior citizens, children, and travellers laden with heavy luggage, struggle to bridge the distance on foot.
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