Kochi: New bus route viable, says Transport Commissioner K Padmakumar

KOCHI: Transport Commissioner K. Padmakumar on Friday said a new bus route connecting Chittoor through Aster Medcity, Kalamasserry and Kakkanad is viable and the authorities concerned will consider it if any bus operator comes up with a request. Speaking after taking part in the observance of Kochi Public Transport Day (KPTD) from Kochi to Chittoor he said ‘if any bus owner comes up with a request it will be considered and allowed forthwith’.

Cheranelloor panchayat member Shimmy Francis later told this newspaper that a bus operator has evinced interest in the route and he would soon submit a proposal. The plan is to start the bus from the BTH junction in Ernakulam and pass through Chitoor, Aster Medcity, Container Road, Kalamasserry and Kakkanad. The representation for the new bus route was submitted by Ys Men Club of South Chittoor. Ebenezer Chullikat made the presentation for the bus routes connecting Chittoor and Cheranelloor with Edappally, Kalamasserry and Kakknad. The commissioning of the Kochi Metro has rendered many private buses operating in Kochi-Aluva route economically unviable and some of these buses can be rerouted, he said.

The transport commissioner has suggested that Asster Medcity should think of introducing two buses with CNG fuel as part of their corporate social responsibility. Speaking at the KPTD function Hibi Eden, MLA, promised his support for the new bus route from Chittoor and said he would pursue the matter to its logical conclusion. Regular bus services connecting Chittoor to Kalamassery and Kakkanad will be a great relief to residents of Chittoor, who currently are compelled to reach Ernakulam city for proceeding to these areas.