Students Stone Government Bus in Chennai After Being Denied Boarding
Tension flared near Madurantakam in Chengalpet district on Thursday morning when a group of school students, frustrated after being unable to board a government bus, resorted to pelting stones at the vehicle. The incident resulted in significant damage to the bus's rear window and caused widespread panic among passengers.
Overcrowded Bus Sparks Student Anger
The bus in question, route number 12 operated by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) Villupuram Division, serves as a critical transport link for students commuting to schools in Madurantakam and surrounding areas. This service runs only during specific morning and evening hours, making it a vital yet limited resource for daily travel.
On Thursday morning, the bus departed from Orathi and arrived at the Keezhathivakkam bus stop. By this time, the vehicle was already packed with a large number of students and members of the public from Orathi and nearby villages. When the bus halted at Keezhathivakkam, several students waiting to travel to schools in Madurantakam attempted to board.
However, due to severe overcrowding, the driver closed the automatic doors and prepared to depart without allowing additional passengers. This decision ignited anger among the stranded students, who responded by picking up stones and hurling them at the rear of the bus. The impact shattered the glass panes, sending shards flying and causing passengers inside to panic.
Chaos Ensues as Students Attempt Entry
In the ensuing chaos, a few students reportedly tried to enter the bus through the broken rear window, exacerbating the situation. The bus was immediately halted, and authorities were alerted. Police from the Orathi station swiftly arrived at the scene to initiate an inquiry and restore order.
During the investigation, residents and students explained to the police that missing this particular bus would force them to wait for the next service, which arrives only after a two-hour gap. This delay would make it impossible for them to reach school on time, highlighting the severe inadequacy of the current transport system.
Residents Demand Additional Bus Services
Local residents and students voiced their grievances, complaining that despite a noticeable increase in passenger numbers, only one or two buses continue to operate on this crucial route. They emphasized that the limited frequency and capacity of the buses have created a persistent problem, leading to overcrowding and frustration among commuters.
In light of the incident, the community has urgently appealed to the authorities to introduce additional bus services. They argue that increasing the number of buses or adjusting schedules is essential to prevent such violent outbursts in the future and ensure safe, reliable transportation for students and other passengers.
This incident underscores the pressing need for improved public transport infrastructure in the region, particularly for students who rely on these services for their daily education. As tensions simmer, all eyes are on the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation to address these concerns and implement effective solutions promptly.
