Private bus operators say that this will increase congestion at the terminal and affect the operation of other services.
The All Kerala Private Bus Operators Organization has condemned the move of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation to start inter-district and inter-state bus services from Mufassil Bus Stand, apart from operating normal services from its special terminal on Mavoor Road.
The leaders of the organization said that the unrestricted entry of KSRTC buses into the congested Mufassil bus stand created a chaotic situation affecting the safety of the passengers.
“We had opposed such a move earlier also citing the same reason. KSRTC has many huge low-floor buses, which will create hurdles for hassle-free operation of city and rural services,” said K Radhakrishnan, district president of the organisation. Such extension of service can be considered only after developing the congested terminal, he said.
According to private bus operators, KSRTC has two dedicated tracks at Mufassil Bus Stand to operate essential services, apart from the special facility at Mavoor Road Terminal. This can no longer be increased in view of the limited parking space for private buses, which are often using the side of the road for parking, he argued.
The organization will submit a memorandum to the Kozhikode Corporation on Thursday. At the same time, private bus operators are planning to block the entry of KSRTC buses at the Mufassil stand, if the corporation decides in favor of KSRTC.
Meanwhile, KSRTC sources said that they have not confirmed any new schedule from Mufassil Bus Stand in view of protests by private bus operators. He said the proposal was primarily made to address the concerns of commuters and improve connectivity between the city’s two major bus terminals.
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