Low passenger numbers; Kozhikode-Bengaluru Navakerala bus service halted

KOZHIKODE: The Navakerala bus operating on the Kozhikode-Bengaluru route has been halted and parked at the Kozhikode Regional Workshop for a week due to a lack of passengers.

The service was stopped after days of no bookings and minimal passengers, resulting in heavy losses. Reports indicate that the bus was moved to the workshop, but authorities claim the suspension is for maintenance purposes.

The air-conditioned bus, equipped with 26 push-back seats, costs Rs 1,171 per ticket, inclusive of cess. It offers amenities such as a toilet, hydraulic lift, washbasin, television, music system and mobile charger, along with luggage storage. The bus, which began its service on May 5, carried a delegation of ministers, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, to the Nava Kerala Sadas organized by the state government. Despite the launch and significant investment, the service has struggled to attract passengers.

The bus was launched for the Navakerala Yatra and continued on the Kozhikode-Bengaluru route without any changes to its colour or body after the yatra.