Thiru, 23 June (H.S.):Complaints are mounting over frequent cancellations of KSRTC bus services on several routes just days after the launch of the State government's Priyadarshini free travel scheme for women. Passengers on the Ernakulam Boat Jetty–Varapuzha–Paravur–Kodungallur corridor, extending to Guruvayur and Ponnani, have alleged that buses operating under the scheme are regularly skipping scheduled trips, causing severe inconvenience during peak travel hours.

According to regular commuters, service disruptions are most common after 3 p.m., one of the busiest periods of the day when office-goers, students and other passengers depend heavily on public transport. The affected services are operated by KSRTC depots in Guruvayur, Kodungallur and Ponnani.

Passengers said hundreds of people rely on these routes every day. While buses were traditionally available at intervals of 10 to 20 minutes, several scheduled services have reportedly been cancelled without prior notice in recent days. As a result, commuters are often left waiting for extended periods at bus stops.

Regular travellers have pointed to specific services that are frequently affected. The 4 p.m. Kodungallur depot bus from Ernakulam Boat Jetty to Guruvayur is reportedly cancelled on multiple occasions. Similarly, the 4.10 p.m. service to Ponnani and the 4.20 p.m. Guruvayur service are also said to be frequently withdrawn from operation.

The cancellations have created significant gaps in the schedule. Passengers noted that after the 3.40 p.m. departure, the next available bus to Guruvayur often arrives only at 4.50 p.m. The resulting shortage of services has led to overcrowding on subsequent buses, making travel difficult, particularly during the evening rush.

The issue has gained greater attention following the introduction of the Priyadarshini scheme, which provides free travel for women on ordinary KSRTC services. Commuters say passenger numbers have increased considerably since the scheme came into effect, making uninterrupted services even more critical.

With demand rising sharply, passengers have urged KSRTC to take immediate corrective measures to ensure that scheduled services operate without disruption. They argue that frequent cancellations undermine the benefits of the free travel initiative and place an additional burden on daily commuters.

The complaints have surfaced barely a week after the implementation of the scheme, one of the flagship promises of the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) government.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman