Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Dangerous Footboard Travel by Students Alarms Chengalpet, Kanchipuram
Some students in rural areas are riding buses in a very dangerous way.
They stand on the footboards or hang from the window bars instead of sitting inside.
One 14-year-old student, Dheen Dayalan, died after falling from a bus near Mamallapuram.
People say similar risky behavior has happened before.
Bus workers warn students, but the warnings are not always followed.
Some routes may also need more buses when many students travel at once.
Activists want schools and parents to teach children about the danger.
They also want transport officials and police to work together to prevent more deaths.
School students in rural Chengalpet and Kanchipuram are increasingly riding government buses on footboards and window bars.
Class IX student Dheen Dayalan, 14, died after falling from a government bus near Mamallapuram last Wednesday.
Residents said dangerous travel continues even when some buses have vacant seats.
Transport employees said drivers and conductors warn students, but some students reportedly argue with or threaten them.
Activists urged schools, parents, police and transport authorities to counsel students and add buses during peak hours.
- Who
- School students, transport employees, residents, activists, parents, schools, police and transport authorities are involved; 14-year-old student Dheen Dayalan died in the reported incident.
- What
- Students are travelling dangerously on government buses by standing on footboards and hanging from window bars.
- When
- The fatal incident occurred last Wednesday; residents said the broader problem has continued periodically.
- Where
- Rural parts of Chengalpet and Kanchipuram districts, including near Mamallapuram and Uthiramerur.
- Why
- The behavior is occurring despite some available seats, while activists also said inadequate buses during peak hours may contribute to dangerous travel.
- Fatality
- Class IX student Dheen Dayalan, 14, died after falling from a government bus.
- Incident location
- The reported fall occurred near Mamallapuram in Chengalpet district.
- Investigation
- Mamallapuram police registered a case and are investigating.
- Affected commuters
- Students from Uthiramerur and surrounding villages depend on government buses to reach school.
- Reported behavior
- Students have been seen travelling on footboards and holding window bars, sometimes despite vacant seats inside.
- Suggested response
- Activists called for student counseling, additional peak-hour buses and coordinated action by schools, parents, transport authorities and police.