Wed Sep 03 19:20:21 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Iyyappanthangal area near Chennai, India, has experienced significant residential growth due to the relocation of a bus terminus and the establishment of Metro Rail connectivity. However, residents in surrounding villages face challenges accessing the Iyyappanthangal bus terminus due to a lack of sufficient minibus services and high autorickshaw fares. Residents and consumer groups are advocating for more minibus routes to improve last-mile connectivity. While some minibus services have been restored and private bus routes added, demand remains high, especially as Metro Rail operations are set to begin. Transport officials indicate they will increase private bus operations as needed.
**News Article:**
**Iyyappanthangal Residents Plead for Minibus Connectivity as Metro Looms**
**Chennai, September 4, 2025** – Residents of villages surrounding Iyyappanthangal, a rapidly growing residential hub near Chennai, are calling for improved minibus services to address last-mile connectivity issues. The area has seen a surge in population following the relocation of the Porur bus terminus and the establishment of Metro Rail infrastructure.
However, the increased residential density in areas like Kattupakkam, Karapakkam, and Paraniputhur has not been matched by adequate transportation options to reach the Iyyappanthangal bus terminus. Residents report difficulty accessing the terminus, citing a lack of minibus routes and exorbitant autorickshaw fares, often exceeding ₹150 for short distances.
“Several areas around Iyyappanthangal have become densely populated, and as Metro services are soon set to be operated, residents of several villages require minibus services for last-mile connectivity,” said R.K. Ravichandran of the Iyyappanthangal-Baraniputhur Consumer Rights Protection Society. The society is urging the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) to introduce new minibus routes.
While acknowledging the recent restoration of a previously discontinued minibus route to Kumananchavadi and the introduction of six new private bus routes, residents argue that these are insufficient. Specific requests include minibus services from Iyyappanthangal to Pozhichalur via Kolathuvanchery, EVP Nagar Maulivakkam, and Kerugambakkam, and another to Mangadu via Kolathuvanchery Vijayalakshmi Nagar, Ayyappa Nagar, and Vasantham Nagar. They believe that operating minibuses with greater frequency on shorter routes would be more effective than the current private bus model.
“The MTC operates minibus services on two to three routes, and private bus services have started operating on six routes”
A senior official from the State Transport and Road Safety Department assured that the government is aware of the situation. “At present, six new private buses are being operated, and more private buses will be operated as and when required.” The official said, indicating a willingness to increase services as demand warrants. However, residents remain hopeful that a more proactive approach to minibus route expansion will alleviate the transportation challenges they currently face, particularly as the anticipated Metro Rail launch nears.
First Piper 