Student Falls From Overcrowded Bus on Chennai-Tirupati Highway, Sparks Demand for More Service

Chennai: A student fell from an overcrowded bus on the Chennai-Tirupati Highway on Wednesday, sparking renewed demands for additional public transport services on the busy route. The incident occurred during peak travel hours, highlighting the chronic shortage of buses on this stretch.

The student, whose identity has not been officially disclosed, was reportedly standing near the door due to the lack of seating. As the bus navigated a sharp turn, the victim lost balance and fell out. Passengers immediately alerted the driver, who stopped the vehicle a few hundred metres down the road.

Overcrowding a Persistent Problem

Commuters have long complained about overcrowding on buses plying the Chennai-Tirupati route. The highway serves as a vital link between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, carrying thousands of daily travellers, including students and office-goers.

Local residents say the frequency of services has not kept pace with rising demand. Many buses operate beyond their capacity, with passengers often forced to stand in aisles and near doors for extended periods.

Victim Rushed to Hospital

Following the fall, fellow passengers rushed the student to a nearby government hospital. Medical staff have not yet released an update on the victim's condition. Officials from the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) are yet to comment on the matter.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic. One passenger, who declined to be named, said the bus was so packed that people were practically hanging out of the doors. “It was an accident waiting to happen,” the passenger added.

Calls for Immediate Action

The incident has reignited demands from commuter groups for the state government to deploy more buses on the Chennai-Tirupati Highway. Activists argue that the current fleet is insufficient, especially during morning and evening rush hours.

“This is not an isolated case,” said a representative of a local transport advocacy group. “We have been raising this issue for months. The authorities must act before someone loses their life.”

Some have also called for stricter enforcement of passenger capacity norms. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, buses are not allowed to carry passengers beyond their registered seating and standing capacity. However, violations are common on high-demand routes.

What Happens Next

The TNSTC is expected to issue a statement in the coming days. Meanwhile, commuters are bracing for continued overcrowding unless additional services are introduced. The state transport department has not indicated any immediate plans to augment the fleet.

Whether this incident will force a policy shift remains to be seen.