Once the pride of Kerala’s road transport, the luxury bus service now lies idle amidst controversy and mismanagement.
The Nava Kerala Bus, launched with much fanfare by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), has hit a roadblock, both figuratively and literally. Initially envisioned as a game-changer for intercity travel, the bus service from Kozhikode to Bengaluru has been discontinued just months after its inauguration. High ticket prices and inconvenient scheduling led to low passenger turnout, forcing the bus off the roads by July 21, 2024.
Currently, the once-proud bus sits idle at the KSRTC workshop in Kozhikode, awaiting modifications. The KSRTC is making changes, including removing the onboard toilet and adding more seats in hopes of reviving its utility. However, the future of this service remains uncertain, casting a shadow over the ambitious Nava Kerala Sadas program it was part of.
Critics argue that the investment in the luxury bus could have been better allocated, with some even suggesting it be relegated to a museum piece—a symbol of misplaced priorities. The situation has fueled debate on the efficacy of public spending and has become a talking point in Kerala’s political circles
