Mini bus services have come in handy for the travelling public in Periyanaickenpalayam and Veerapandi Pirivu who utilise the MEMU services at Periyanaickenpalayam railway station.
According to the passengers, the mini bus has obviated the need for them to spend on autorickshaws.
The distance from Periyanaickenpalayam railway station and the bus stand in the town is about 1.5 km. While a section of passengers choose to walk the distance, many either park their two-wheelers or hire autorickshaws to reach the railway station, particularly in the morning and evening hours.
The MEMU train proceeding towards Coimbatore from Mettupalayam crosses the Periyanaickenpalayam railway station at about 8.38 a.m. The mini bus that starts at Kamanaickenpalayam at 8 a.m. passes through Veerapandi Pirivu at 8.20 a.m. and the Periyanaickenpalayam at about 8.25 a.m. to reach the railway station 10 minutes before the train timing, according to the driver Hari Vignesh.
Likewise, the bus also caters well to the passengers in their return trip from Coimbatore at about 6 p.m.
The Periyanaickenpalayam Railway Passengers’ Association had been urging the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation to restore the bus services to the railway station, which was discontinued after the COVID lockdown.
“The mini buses are fulfilling the needs of the train passengers quite effectively on the price-front as well. A single trip costs the passengers only ₹5,” M. Jaikumar, association president, said.
Published – August 23, 2025 11:35 pm IST
