On August 30, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) rolled out two new free bus services for women in Jawadhu Hills, Tiruvannamalai, to ease their travel needs.
New Bus Services
- Flag-Off Ceremony: The services were inaugurated by E.V. Velu, Minister for Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports, along with Minister for Tourism K. Ramachandran and Collector D. Bhaskara Pandian.
- Routes: The new services, routes 777D and 777V, will connect Polur to Jamunamarathur, Jamunamarathur to Melpattu, and Jamunamarathur to Neeplampattu daily.
Impact on Commuters
- Cost Savings: The initiative is expected to alleviate financial burdens for agricultural workers and facilitate easier access to education for daughters living in the hills.
- Community Response: Commuter S. Devi highlighted the significance of the service in saving money and improving educational opportunities.
Service Expansion
- Background: Announced during the 2024-25 budget session by Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, these services extend TNSTC’s commitment to providing free transportation to women in hilly areas.
- Previous Initiatives: Similar services were previously introduced in Yelagiri and Pernambut villages. Currently, four daily bus services operate to Jawadhu Hills, including one from Polur and three from Tiruvannamalai.
Operational Details
- Timings: The first bus from Polur departs at 4 a.m. and returns by 1:20 p.m.
- Regulations: Free rides are typically restricted to 35 km but have been extended to 47 km for Jamunamarathur due to the remote location.
Current Fleet
- Statistics: TNSTC operates 128 free buses in Tiruvannamalai district, benefiting around 83,000 commuters daily.
Conclusion The introduction of free bus services in Jawadhu Hills is a significant step towards improving accessibility and providing financial relief to women in the region, enhancing their quality of life and educational prospects.
Source : thehindu
