Antisocials dismantle, sell seats at Thirukalikundram bus stop

Situated in between Mamallapuram and Chengalpattu, Thirukalikundram is a popular tourist destination. As the belief goes, an eagle is said to visit the temple to have offerings every afternoon, due to which many visitors from across the State and outside come to the temple to worship and witness the event.

Locals rue that the bus stop in Thirukalikundram lack even the basic facilities. Buses to Kalpakkam, Mahabalipuram, Tindivanam, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Kelambakkam, Tiruporur, and many parts of the city ply from Thirukalikundram. The locals complain that there are no seating arrangements at the bus shelter as most of the seats are broken. Some of them have even been dismantled and sold by antisocials.

“There is no lighting in the bus stop; the only source of light available for commuters come from the vehicles,” alleged social activist Karthick from Thirukalikundram. He added that many people who come to visit the temple are forced to sit on the floor until their buses arrive. “Since it is rainy season, the floor would be wet and covered with slush, making it difficult for the passengers,” the activist said.

Residents say they have repeatedly asked the panchayat to take necessary steps to maintain the bus stop, but no action taken has been taken so far. While multiple attempts to reach R Latha, the Executive Officer of Thirukalikundram town panchayat, failed, staff at the office said that the proposal to replace the broken seats with brand new ones were in progress. The bus stop would get new seats soon, the officials added.