The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) began bus service to Kalithimbam, a tribal village in Thalavadi block, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This move ends the residents' long struggle for transport and helps students and senior citizens travel safely. S. Annadurai, Director of Tribal Welfare, recently visited the village, stayed overnight, and listened to the people’s concerns about the lack of bus connectivity. Until now, residents had to walk nearly two kilometres through dense forest to catch buses on the main road. About 70 Irular tribal families use transport daily for work. Without buses, students and workers faced hardships crossing the forest. They had asked for at least two bus services: one in the morning and one in the evening. After The Hindu published their report on February 7, 2026, Mr. Annadurai urged Collector S. Kandasamy to act. The Collector ordered TNSTC to start regular services. On Tuesday, the bus traveling between Sathyamangalam and Thalavadi via Thalamalai reached Kalithimbam at 7:30 a.m., carrying 10 to 20 students and workers safely. The driver and conductor received a warm welcome from the villagers. The return bus will arrive at 6:30 p.m.