Bus service suspension leaves 200 families desolate in forest-border village near Sivaganga

Life has almost come to a standstill for more than 200 families residing in Uruli, a remote forest-border village near Sivaganga, following the prolonged suspension of government bus services to the area.

Situated three kilometres away from the busy Manamadurai- Thanjavur National Highway, the village is densely surrounded by eucalyptus groves.

For their daily livelihoods, routine purchases, and employment, the villagers heavily rely on commuting to nearby Sivaganga and Manamadurai. The stoppage of bus services has hit students the hardest as many of them are studying in government schools and colleges in the neighbouring towns.

In the past, government town buses connecting Sivaganga and Manamadurai extended their routes to Uruli three times daily.

However, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation authorities halted the services a few years ago, citing deteriorating road condition in the forested stretch.

With public transport brought to a standstill, the villagers and young students are forced to undertake a perilous three-kilometre walk through the wooded terrain every day just to reach the junction on Manamadurai- Thanjavur NH to catch a bus.

The villagers voice anxiety over their safety during these walks, especially given the isolated nature of the route.

“Even when buses were operated to our village three times a day, we kept urging for additional services to meet growing demands,” said a villager.

“Instead of expanding the transport services, the authorities have completely stopped even the few buses that were running. Bus services must be restored immediately to end our daily struggle,” the villagers said.

The affected families are appealing to the district administration and transport corporation officials to repair the approach roads and resume regular town bus operations to Uruli, ensuring the safe and reliable connectivity for the rural population.