Accident in Ponmudi Aaram Valavu again; Priyadarshini bus breaks down

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A KSRTC ordinary bus broke down at Ponmudi. The incident happened at Aaram Valavu (sixth curve) on the way to Ponmudi. The bus, which came from the Neyyattinkara depot, suffered a breakdown. Following the incident, there was a traffic jam in the area. Large vehicles were unable to pass through the route.

The bus suffered a minor fault at Vithura Kalungu Junction, but the journey continued despite the issue. Reports say the bus involved in the incident was part of the government’s free travel scheme for women, Priyadarshini. There are also complaints that ordinary buses operating to Ponmudi are experiencing severe overcrowding because of the free travel scheme.

A Priyadarshini bus travelling to Ponmudi met with an accident after its brakes failed last week. That incident also happened at the sixth curve. The bus suddenly lost braking power while descending the hill.

The driver acted promptly and managed to stop the out-of-control bus by steering it into the concrete safety barrier on the roadside. The driver’s presence of mind prevented the bus from plunging into the valley and averted a major disaster. Although the bus was carrying several passengers at the time of the accident, no one was injured. Another KSRTC bus was later sent to the spot, and the passengers were safely transported back to Thiruvananthapuram.