
Residents face hardships as Gummidipoondi bus depot project remains non-starter for 12 years
The project involves acquiring over four acres of land in Pethikuppam village, Gummidipoondi taluk, in Thiruvallur district, located along the front face of National Highway 16.
'The absence of a dedicated bus depot has created challenges for daily commuters, affecting the livelihoods and well-being of our community members,' said S. Suresh Babu, president of the Billakuppam Village Welfare Association. 'The lack of a proper facility has not only reduced public transport efficiency but also increased travel time and passenger inconvenience,' he added.
Frequency of local buses
Gummidipoondi has its own bus stand located in the middle of the town, in a densely populated area. However, the frequency of local bus services to Chennai is lower than required. Moreover, long-distance buses stop on the National Highway, which is about one and a half kilometers away from the bus stand, causing inconvenience to the public.
K. Munirathinam, a CPI(M) party functionary from the town, said, 'We are not well connected to the city, the district headquarters Thiruvallur, or nearby areas. One has to walk one and half kilometers from the town or take another vehicle catch long-distance buses on the National Highway. Most such long-distance buses do not come into the town.'
He added that over 10,000 workers are employed at the SIPCOT near Gummidipoondi and most of them hail from other districts. Like locals, they are also facing difficulty commuting from the town.
'We have a bus stand inside the town, which connects it to several panchayats in and around the area. People from 61 panchayats use the bus stand as a connecting point. At present, the bus stand does not have a shelter for passengers to protect them from the scorching sun or the rains during monsoons. There are no bus bays either. It lacks basic amenities,' complained M. Kannan, a resident of Gummidipoondi.
When asked about these complaints, DMK MLA T.J. Govindarajan had said in the Assembly, 'I have raised the question of setting up the proposed bus depot and bus stand off the National Highway.'
New bus stand
Replying to Mr. Govindarajan's question, Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar had said, taking into account the financial situation, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) depot will be set up in Gummidipoondi this year. There is a bus stand in Gummidipoondi town, where very few buses can be parked. 'So, the District Collector has identified a premise in Pethikuppam village for setting up a new bus stand, where buses will be operated to Chennai city. Both the bus stand and depot will be set up this year,' he said.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Hindu
13 hours ago
- The Hindu
Letters to The Editor — July 25, 2025
UK-India FTA It has been an exceptionally expedition and it has turned out to be fruitful. This new development heralds a new era of innovation, exploration, and opportunities for both nations which have had a complex history. Balagopal Gopinath, Keerikkad, Alappuzha, Kerala Maharashtra Bill I write this letter as the Deputy Director (News), Directorate General Of Information and Public Relation, Government of Maharashtra. The Editorial ('Danger of thought', July 24) is a gross misrepresentation of a necessary and carefully considered legislative measure. The Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill is aimed at providing the legal framework for handling unlawful activities of unlawful organisations that are a part of the united front of banned CPI(Maoist) and other left-wing extremist organisations. The Government of Maharashtra is steadfast in its commitment to upholding both the security of its citizens and the democratic freedom enshrined in the Constitution. The MSPS Bill does not exhibit police thought. The legislation targets organisations whose actions, whether through the written or spoken word, signs, or other activities, 'constitute a danger or menace to public order, peace and tranquillity'. This is a critical distinction. The Bill is not aimed at commentators, critics, or political opponents engaging in legitimate dissent. It is designed to tackle the insidious, overground network of Maoist front organisations that engage in the recruitment, fundraising, and radicalisation of youth and professionals, thereby fuelling violence and threatening to undermine the constitutional order. Varsha Andhale, Mumbai

The Hindu
17 hours ago
- The Hindu
CPI protests over L. Murugan's remarks on ST status for Malayali community in Erode
Condemning Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan's recent remarks on Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Malayali Gounder community, the Communist Party of India (CPI) held a demonstration in the Kadambur Hills on Thursday (July 24, 2025). The protest was led by CPI district committee member K. Ramasamy, with North district secretary S. Mohan Kumar and others joining in. They criticised Mr. Murugan's claim that the Tamil Nadu government had failed to pass a legislative resolution— a prerequisite, he asserted, for granting ST status. Protesters pointed out that while Malayali people across Tamil Nadu have been recognised as STs and issued certificates, those in Bargur and Kadambur Hills remain classified under 'Others.' As a result, they are denied access to ST-specific benefits in education, employment, and welfare schemes. The community has been seeking ST status for over five decades. Tiruppur MP K. Subbarayan has raised the issue multiple times in Parliament. In response, the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs stated that a recommendation from the State government was required. The State has since submitted the proposal, which is currently under review by the Centre. The CPI urged the Centre to introduce and pass the necessary legal amendment during the ongoing Parliament session to grant ST status to Malayalis in Erode district without further delay. The party slammed Mr. Murugan's claim regarding the need for a State Assembly resolution, calling it a diversionary tactic aimed at delaying the process and shifting blame onto the State government. They noted that neither Parliamentary discussions nor official communications from the Union Ministry had ever cited such a requirement. Mr. Murugan's remarks, they said, were misleading and served only to deflect attention from the Centre's responsibility.


Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
Why the US is targeting Harvard's J-1 visa programme amid broader political tensions
The US State Department has launched an investigation into Harvard University's use of the J-1 visa programme under the Exchange Visitor Program. The move is part of a broader federal campaign targeting Harvard's international activities, including its ties to China and student protest records. The University has been ordered to submit records within a week. The probe follows earlier visa-related actions and has already affected funding, legal proceedings, and international scholar entry into the US. The US State Department has launched an investigation into Harvard University's participation in the Exchange Visitor Program, which allows institutions to sponsor J-1 visas for international scholars, researchers, and certain students. The investigation, made public on a Wednesday, is the latest development in a series of federal actions scrutinising the University's international activities. As reported by The Harvard Crimson, the State Department did not allege specific misconduct in its public statement but said the inquiry aims to ensure such visa programmes 'do not run contrary to our nation's interests.' The department also reasserted that all sponsors must comply fully with visa regulations and support US foreign policy and national security objectives. J-1 visa programme under federal scrutiny The J-1 visa programme is part of the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP), which promotes cultural and educational exchange. Harvard, along with other universities, uses the programme to bring in international scholars and educators. The current investigation forms part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to exert oversight over institutions hosting foreign nationals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo According to The Harvard Crimson, Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Harvard President Alan M. Garber in a letter that the University must submit a comprehensive set of records related to its J-1 visa sponsorships within one week. A State Department spokesperson declined to specify what exact records have been requested. Connection to wider federal action This inquiry into the EVP follows earlier actions targeting Harvard's involvement in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a separate system managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that oversees international student records for F-1 and M-1 visa holders. Harvard does not host students under M-1 visas. The Trump administration has raised concerns linking Harvard's international programmes to broader foreign policy and national security issues. The Harvard Crimson reported that the administration considers statements such as calls to cut military aid to Israel potentially valid grounds for revoking visas. The administration has also flagged Harvard's connections with China as possible national security risks. Obstacles faced by international visa holders Prior to the announcement of the State Department probe, international scholars on J-1 visas and students on F-1 visas had already begun encountering difficulties. In June, at least two incoming scholars were turned away at Boston airport, though Harvard later confirmed they were expected to be granted entry, according to The Harvard Crimson. In response to the investigation, Harvard spokesperson Jason A. Newton described the move as 'retaliatory' and argued it violates the University's First Amendment rights. He said Harvard 'continues to enrol and sponsor international scholars, researchers, and students, and will protect its international community,' as quoted by The Harvard Crimson. Broader federal pressure on Harvard continues As reported by The Harvard Crimson, federal agencies have issued multiple demands to Harvard, including a subpoena from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requesting records on international students' post-graduation work under Optional Practical Training, as well as videos of student protests dating back to 2020. DHS previously warned the University it could lose its SEVP certification unless it produced detailed internal communications and protest records. After Harvard submitted a partial response, the DHS deemed the reply insufficient. In late May, the department revoked Harvard's SEVP certification, followed by an executive order by President Trump restricting entry for Harvard-bound students. A federal judge has since granted preliminary relief, blocking both actions. Investigations impact funding and institutional operations The federal crackdown has significantly affected Harvard's research funding. The University has filed a lawsuit in response to the freeze, with the case currently pending. The government's actions have already resulted in a loss of over $2 billion in federal research grants, The Harvard Crimson reported. Congress and federal agencies have opened more than a dozen investigations into Harvard, including probes into hiring and admissions practices, links to foreign governments, and antisemitism allegations. Senator Rubio has been directly involved, urging further scrutiny, including a recent call for the Treasury Department to investigate a Harvard-hosted event involving sanctioned Chinese officials. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!