Doddakombai tribal settlement in Erode district gets government bus facility
After decades of isolation, Doddakombai tribal settlement in Perumugai panchayat under the T.N. Palayam Panchayat Union finally got government bus connectivity on Tuesday (June 24, 2025). Home to over 100 Urali tribal families for more than 70 years, the hamlet lacked basic transport access until now.
Residents had to walk nearly 10 km through the forest area to reach Kallipatti, the nearest location with bus services, to access hospitals, buy essential commodities, and attend school. Students often risked their safety walking long distances through the forest daily.
Responding to the community's long-standing demand, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) extended its Gobichettipalayam–Athani bus service from Karumbarai Pudur to Doddakombai. The service will operate in the morning and evening, catering to the needs of both students and the public.
The new service was flagged off on Tuesday by Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare M. Mathiventhan. He was joined by Rajya Sabha MP Anthiyur P. Selvaraj, Anthiyur MLA G. Venkatachalam, District Revenue Officer S. Santhakumar, and other officials, who travelled in the bus and received an enthusiastic welcome from the local residents.
Doddakombai's residents primarily depend on collecting minor forest produce such as honey and broom grass for their livelihood. However, restrictions from the Forest Department had limited their access to forest resources, forcing many to rely on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and farm labour.
The newly introduced bus service is seen as a major step toward improving mobility and access to essential services, marking a significant milestone in addressing the needs of the tribal population.
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