Thodupuzha: One of the two recently launched KSRTC bus services to Tamil Nadu hit a ‘speed bump’ as soon as it started. The service that was announced with much brouhaha had begun on March 11. Two busses were arranged for the passengers from Thodupuzha and Moolamattam to Theni and back. The service that begins from Alappuzha would reach Ernakulam and then travel to Theni via Thodupuzha. Meanwhile, this bus that reaches Thodupuzha at 5.30 pm and begins its trip to Theni via Moolamattam, Cheruthoni, Kattapana and Kambamettu was cancelled just three days after the service began.
The bus service was supposed to be helpful for the passengers travelling to Tamil Nadu. The passengers, meanwhile, are disheartened that the much-awaited bus service stopped after three days. The bus that was supposed to reach Thodupuzha by 5.30 pm could reach here only after 9 pm on all three days. This prompted the authorities to immediately suspend this service even though it benefitted the passengers in the Kambam – Theni route. Meanwhile, the bus that begins from Kambam at 2 pm and reaches Thodupuzha by 6.20 pm continues its service.
What authorities say
They say that the service had to be stopped as there is a shortage of busses. However, some KSRTC employees claim that the service was cancelled to appease a few private bus owners who operate services on this route. The service that begins from Alappuzha reaches Ernakulam before it starts the second leg of the trip via Thodupuzha. However, experts say that this route isn’t as viable and practical. Meanwhile, this service could be helpful to lots of passengers if it begins from Thodupuzha.
