Kozhikode: The much–celebrated Nava Kerala bus which was launched as part of the Nava Kerala Sadas outreach program has been gathering dust for the last month. Interestingly, this is the same luxury bus which a minister boasted as a unique piece that would lure admirers even if it was exhibited in a museum. It was on May 5 that the Nava Kerala bus began operating service in the Kozhikode – Bengaluru bus. Even though the service went smoothly for a month, it had to be cancelled when the number of passengers began dropping. The service was then limited to just Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. However, the Nava Kerala bus hasn’t hit the roads after July 21. The bus which required some maintenance is now parked at the KSRTC regional workshop in Kozhikode.
Even though the bus operated services from Kozhikode, all the significant decisions were taken at Thiruvananthapuram. Meanwhile, the bus is reportedly in the workshop for some modifications including adding more seats by avoiding the washroom. However, the officials in the Kozhikode depot haven’t received any proper instructions regarding this. There is a huge demand for buses in the Kozhikode – Bengaluru route during the Onam season. Meanwhile, the authorities in the Kozhikode depot expressed hope to restart the service by Onam.
The ticket fare on the Nava Kerala bus is Rs 1,250 per head; however, you need to pay the same amount no matter where you board the bus or where you get down. The 26-seater bus departs Kozhikode at 4 am and reaches Bengaluru by noon. Meanwhile, the return trip begins at 2.30 pm on the same day. High ticket prices and impractical schedules are cited are the reasons why passengers stay away from the Nava Kerala bus. Meanwhile, a ticket in the AC semi–sleeper buses on the Kozhikode – Bengaluru route could be purchased for just under Rs 800. The Nava Kerala bus would be profitable only if it can earn at least Rs 40,000 per day. But, the bus had to run services with just five or six passengers on many days, forcing the authorities to take the bus off the road.
