Residents of Cheran Maa Nagar and Vilankurichi Express Frustration Over Inadequate City Bus Services: A Call for Change!
Residents of Cheran Maa Nagar and Vilankurichi have expressed growing frustration over the lack of adequate bus services from the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) in Coimbatore. Despite the surge in new residential developments in the area, residents report that essential bus routes to key destinations like Gandhipuram, Singanallur, and Town Hall are lacking or have been completely discontinued since the COVID-19 lockdown.
In recent queries submitted under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the TNSTC acknowledged that the resumption of certain bus services, specifically route 92 from Cheran Maa Nagar to Marudhamalai and route 9 to the Ukkadam Bus Stand, is still under review. The corporation attributed the delays to a shortage of buses and the dependence of service operation on passenger demand.
V. Balasubramani, a local social activist who filed the RTI request, emphasized the pressing need for improved public transport services in light of the increasing urbanization and the establishment of software companies in Vilankurichi. He highlighted that the growth in population and commercial activity has intensified the demand for reliable bus services.
Students commuting to school and college, as well as office workers, currently face long wait times of at least 30 minutes for city buses, forcing many to rely on share autos, which can be both costly and unreliable. Balasubramani pointed out that creating shuttle services from Kovilpalayam and Saravanampatti to the Hope College Stop, passing through Vilankurichi and Cheran Maa Nagar, could significantly enhance passenger turnout.
Colleagues and community members have echoed these sentiments, stressing that expanding bus services would not only improve accessibility but also contribute to reducing traffic congestion and easing the burden on alternative transport options. With more residents venturing out for work, education, and daily errands, the push for a more integrated public transport system has become increasingly urgent.
As the TNSTC weighs its options, the community remains hopeful for a swift resolution. Enhanced bus services could play a vital role in accommodating the needs of a rapidly evolving urban landscape, ensuring that residents of Cheran Maa Nagar and Vilankurichi have the reliable transportation they deserve.
The ongoing situation underscores the vital role of effective public transport in urban planning, particularly in the context of Coimbatore’s expanding suburbs. As discussions with the TNSTC continue, local residents and advocates urge the transport authority to prioritize the restoration and enhancement of bus services to better serve this growing community.
With public demand for improved transport options rising, the local administration’s responsiveness will be critical in shaping the future of commuting in Coimbatore. As this situation unfolds, stakeholders from various sectors hope to see a renewed commitment from the TNSTC to meet the transportation needs of their constituents.
Coimbatore commuters and residents alike await a favorable response that could pave the way for a more efficient public transit system-one that reflects the needs of its residents in an ever-changing urban environment.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/residents-of-cheran-maa-nagar-vilankurichi-areas-rue-inadequacy-of-city-bus-services/article70222100.ece
Category : Coimbatore
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Publish Date: 2025-10-30 20:22:00
