Lack of Road Access Forces Kuttaiyur Villagers to Rely on Karnataka

Residents of Kuttaiyur, a remote hamlet straddling the border between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, face significant challenges due to a lack of road connectivity. This situation compels villagers to depend on Karnataka for their daily necessities, including access to healthcare and education.

The absence of a bridge across a nearby forest stream exacerbates the issue. Local residents emphasize that a solution requires the construction of a bridge and the extension of bus services from the nearest accessible location. Kuttaiyur, home to approximately 450 residents, falls under the Bargur panchayat in Anthiyur taluk. In contrast, Makkampalayam is part of the Koothampalayam panchayat in Sathyamangalam taluk. Currently, bus services from Kadambur only reach Makkampalayam, which is about 5 kilometers away from Kuttaiyur.

Villagers and students often rely on a pickup van from Karnataka to reach Makkampalayam. Unfortunately, the existing forest road is narrow and strewn with gravel, making it difficult to traverse, especially when the stream is swollen with rainwater. During the monsoon season, which lasts from October to January, the vehicle bypasses Kuttaiyur altogether, leading to students missing school and workers staying home. A Class 9 student voiced the frustration felt by many, stating, “All we need is a road, a bridge across the stream, and a bus service to our village.”

As commuting to Makkampalayam proves challenging, villagers often cross the Palar River to reach Jallipalayam in Karnataka, located about 2 kilometers away, to purchase essentials and obtain medical care. One resident noted, “We depend on Karnataka for everything except schooling.” The situation worsens during the monsoon, when the river overflows, completely isolating the village. Another villager added, “We’ve depended on Karnataka for years. It must change, at least for our children.”

The logistical challenges extend to elections as well. Officials from Anthiyur must travel 83 kilometers to access the Government Tribal Residential Middle School, which serves as the polling booth for Kuttaiyur. Election materials are transported through Karnataka, covering 54 kilometers via Bargur Hills to Kargekandi in Chamarajanagar district, followed by another 24 kilometers to Jallipalayam before crossing back into Tamil Nadu.

In terms of education, students study up to Class 8 in Kuttaiyur, after which they must travel to Makkampalayam for Classes 9 and 10, and onward to Kadambur for higher secondary education. Villagers report paying ₹20 per trip for adults and ₹10 for students to reach Makkampalayam. Many express concern about missing classes and examinations during the rainy season due to inadequate transport options and have called on the government to improve road connectivity.

Local politician A.G. Venkatachalam, the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Anthiyur, confirmed to The Hindu that proposals for constructing a bridge across the forest stream and laying a road have been submitted to the government at an estimated cost of ₹6.5 crore. He also mentioned that a proposal for another bridge near Velampatti, estimated at ₹7 crore, is under consideration. According to Venkatachalam, these developments, once completed, would significantly address the connectivity issues faced by border villages like Kuttaiyur.

The plight of Kuttaiyur villagers highlights the urgent need for infrastructure development to enhance their quality of life and ensure access to essential services.