Kalithimbam tribal hamlet in Erode gets bus service

The long-pending demand of residents of Kalithimbam, a tribal village in the Thalavadi block, was fulfilled after the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) commenced bus services to the hamlet on Tuesday (February 17, 2026), facilitating smooth transportation for students and senior citizens.

Recently, S. Annadurai, Director of Tribal Welfare, visited the hamlet, interacted with residents, and stayed there overnight. He listened to their grievances, particularly the lack of bus connectivity. Residents said they had to walk nearly two kilometres through dense forest to reach the main road to board buses.

Around 70 Irular tribal families commute daily to the plains and other hill areas for work. In the absence of a bus facility, students faced hardship while traversing the forest stretch and had sought the introduction of at least two services — one in the morning and another in the evening. A report titled “Residents seek bus service to Kalithimbam tribal hamlet in Erode” was published in The Hindu on February 7, 2026. Subsequently, Mr. Annadurai requested Collector S. Kandasamy to fulfil the residents’ demand. The Collector directed the TNSTC to operate regular services to the hamlet in the morning and evening.

On Tuesday, a bus plying between Sathyamangalam and Thalavadi via Thalamalai reached the hamlet at 7.30 a.m., enabling 10 to 20 students and workers to travel safely. The driver and the conductor were given a warm welcome by the residents. The return service is scheduled to arrive at 6.30 p.m.