First trip turns unpleasant, ‘Navakerala bus’ continues journey after solving issue of door

KOZHIKODE: The luxury bus carrying a delegation of ministers including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to participate in the Navakerala Sadas organized by the state government, started its first service for the public. The first trip turned unpleasant as the door of the bus got damaged. The bus finally continued its journey after the door was tied with a rope.

The inter-state Garuda Premium service started on the Kozhikode-Bengaluru route Sunday morning at 4.30 am. However, soon after it started service, the hydraulic system in the door suffered a damage and it opened by itself. Though tried to close it forcefully and continue journey, the door kept opening every now and then. When the wind started blowing strongly, the bus stopped when it reached Karanthur. Then with the help of the passengers, tied the door with the rope of a bag and continued journey. Reached Bathery depot and solved the problem. As the emergency exit was switched on, it caused the door to open frequently.

The passengers were disappointment as the bus suffered a technical glitch on their first trip in the VIP bus. Online seat booking facility was introduced on April 30. The tickets were completely sold out in two days. There are 26 seats in the bus. Most of the people came to book the seat occupied by the chief minister. The ticket price including cess is Rs 1171.

The service is via Thamarassery, Kalpatta, Sultan Bathery and Mysuru. Television and music system are provided in the bus. There is a mobile charger system and space to keep the luggage. All the seats used by the ministers have been replaced with new pushback seats. The toilet and lift in the bus have been maintained.