Villagers block Chittoor-Cuddalore Highway near Tiruvannamalai demanding bus services - The HinduPublished - August 19, 2026 07:38 pm IST - TIRUVANNAMALAIResidents of Usampadi village staging a protest to stress their demand that government buses halt at the bus stop in the village. | Photo Credit: Special ArrangementResidents of Usampadi village near Tiruvannamalai town blocked Chittoor-Cuddalore Highway on Wednesday, demanding that government buses halt at the bus stop in the village.Agitated commuters said that the bus stop remains a lifeline for residents in at least 15 surrounding villages between Tiruvannamalai and Kilpennathur towns, a distance of around 15 km. “We have to trek for at least two km to reach Karunthuvambadi, the nearest village where all buses halt. Students and office goers were largely affected,” said S. Petchiammal, a commuter.At present, buses plying between Tiruvannamalai and Tirukkoyilur towns halt at Mallavadi and Karunthuvambadi villages, as these villages are located on the arterial road. Also, key educational institutions like teacher training institutes are located on the route.On the other hand, the affected village is located at a distance from the arterial stretch, with only a limited number of commuters boarding buses at the bus stop in the village. As a result, commuters said that most of the buses, including those operated by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), do not halt in the village.Commuters also said that women and senior citizens have to seek help from motorists to drop them off at the nearest bus stop, around two km away, to board buses for Tiruvannamalai town.Commuters said that several petitions were given to TNSTC officials and the district administration to direct the bus crew to halt buses in the village. They said that petitions at the weekly grievance meeting at the Collectorate were also submitted. No action had been taken.To highlight their demands, commuters and local CPI (M) cadres blocked the key stretch near the village. On being informed, local police and revenue officials reached the spot and pacified agitated students, who dispersed peacefully after officials assured that District Collector Vandana Garg would be apprised of their demand.Published - August 19, 2026 07:38 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }