Kottayam: Many Malayalis across the country and worldwide have struggled to reach home for the Onam holidays. The overpriced bus tickets have posed a major challenge for Keralites travelling from neighbouring states. Meanwhile, the train tickets have been sold out for months. A couple of special trains were announced recently, and there is a huge rush for their tickets too. Keralites have been busy looking for easier routes to reach home with the help of Google Map. However, they are forced to avoid NH 66 (Panvel - Kanyakumari ) as traffic moves at snail’s pace at many stretches, especially where the construction works are progressing.
Even though there are MC Road and the high range highway parallel to the NH, traveling to Malabar is still a nightmare. Most roads that are relied for traveling northwards from Thrissur will be facing severe traffic blocks during the Onam season. People have been frantically looking for roads that are not busy or where constructions are not underway, on the Google Map.
The various features on the Google Map enable the travelers to choose the roads and routes that are less crowded. The map even shows the routes where construction works are being held so that the travelers could avoid them.
Even if you manage to reach home for the holidays, returning can also be an ordeal as the same conditions can continue. The extensive construction works on the national highway that connects southern Kerala to the north and the shortage of public transport will severely affect the travellers the week after Onam.
Any solutions?
1) If you don't have bus, train or flight tickets yet but want to be home for Onam, road travel is your last resort. Note these tips to ensure a fuss-free ride home:
2) Start your trip during the off-peak hours
3) Watch for announcements about new train, bus, or flight services in the upcoming days.
4) Make sure that you don't fall prey to fake announcements on new travel arrangements
5) Be open to sharing rides with new people in your locality through safe ride-sharing apps. Also, if you are depending on this option, inform family and friends on your travel details
6) Plan your return journey too at off-peak hours and via safe platforms in advance.
7) Be mindful and careful if you depend on apps to guide you home via shortcuts, especially in adverse weather conditions. Try to avoid such trips at night to ensure safety.
