Villagers block Chittoor-Cuddalore Highway near Tiruvannamalai demanding bus services
Residents of Usampadi village in Tamil Nadu blocked a major highway to protest the lack of government bus services in their area. The protest ended after officials promised to address the community's demand for better public transportation access.
Why it matters
Public transport accessibility is a fundamental infrastructure issue that directly impacts the economic and educational opportunities of rural populations.
Residents of Usampadi village near Tiruvannamalai town blocked Chittoor-Cuddalore Highway on Wednesday, demanding that government buses halt at the bus stop in the village.
Agitated commuters said that the bus stop remains a lifeline for residents in at least 15 surrounding villages between Tiruvannamalai and Kilpennathur towns, a distance of around 15 km. “We have to trek for at least two km to reach Karunthuvambadi, the nearest village where all buses halt. Students and office goers were largely affected,” said S. Petchiammal, a commuter.
At present, buses plying between Tiruvannamalai and Tirukkoyilur towns halt at Mallavadi and Karunthuvambadi villages, as these villages are located on the arterial road. Also, key educational institutions like teacher training institutes are located on the route.
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