The Kerala state road transport corporation (KSRTC) might be running at a loss. But that has not stopped the agency from starting new services. Last weekend, the transport corporation began new services, connecting Cochin International Airport Ltd (Cial) and northern towns such as Thrissur, Guruvayur and Ponnani.
“We have launched nine services ? four to Thrissur, three to Guruvayur and two to Ponnani ?from the Nedumbassery airport. Till date, we had buses to Aluva, Angamaly and Ernakulam. This is the first time we are launching buses to the northern side,” said K P Vincent, assistant works manager (Thrissur zone), KSRTC.
The first bus leaves Nedumbassery at 2.30am to Guruvayur and reaches the temple town in two-and-a-half-hours. “Usually, passengers had no choice but to hire a taxi or use their own vehicle to travel to places in northern Kerala. We hope the service will be helpful for passengers who are forced to spend a huge sum to reach their hometown,” he said.
While the service takes 90 minutes for a trip to Thrissur, it will take three hours and fifteen minutes for a trip to Ponnani.
All the nine are fast passenger services with tickets costing Rs 85, Rs 44 and Rs 66 to Ponnani, Thrissur and Guruvayur, respectively.
KSRTC authorities said maximum services from the airport have been arranged in the morning and late evening hours for the benefit of passengers, especially those coming from the Middle East. “However, we are ready to reschedule the services as per requirements,” they said.
Source: Times of India
