The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has introduced a double-decker bus service in Kozhikode to boost city tourism. Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas flagged off the service on Tuesday. However, low-hanging trees along the routes pose challenges to its full operation.
On Tuesday morning, Minister for Public Works and Tourism P.A. Mohamed Riyas flagged off the new double-decker bus service operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) from its bus terminal in Kozhikode. This initiative aims to enhance sightseeing experiences within the city, marking a new addition to Kerala's tourism offerings.
The service is designed to run daily from 3 pm to 10:30 pm, covering key routes including Sarovaram Bypass, Arayidathupalam, Mananchira, Francis Road, Kothi Bridge, South Beach, Lions Park, Gandhi Road, and Butt Road. The bus accommodates 64 passengers, with 36 seats on the upper deck and 28 on the lower deck. Ticket prices are yet to be finalized, but officials anticipate ₹200 for upper-deck seats and approximately half that for lower-deck seats. Booking will be available via telephone or an online portal once the service is fully operational.
Despite the ceremonial launch, regular operations face hurdles due to low-hanging shade trees along the routes. Branches at locations such as Mananchira Square, near the City Police Commissioner’s Office, Sarovaram Road, and Beach Road threaten the 4.7-metre-high vehicle. KSRTC has requested the City Corporation to prune these trees, but the work remains pending.
Kozhikode now joins other Kerala destinations like Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Munnar, and Thrissur in offering double-decker bus services.
