Kerala suspends 65-year-old private Valparai-Chalakudy bus service as women’s free bus scheme impacts
Tamil Nadu: The implementation of the free travel scheme for women on government buses in Kerala has begun to impact private transport services. A private bus service, which had been operating for the past 65 years between Valparai in Coimbatore district and Chalakudy in Kerala, was discontinued on Saturday. This service had long been a vital means of transportation for travelers, especially tourists and locals.
Valparai and Chalakudy are approximately 110 kilometers apart. This bus service, connecting the two states, had long been a convenient transportation service for travelers, especially those visiting Kerala’s famous Athirappilly Falls.
According to reports, Kerala State Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses operate from Chalakudy only to the Mazhukkaparai Estate, located near the Tamil Nadu border. A Tamil Nadu government bus service was also available for a long time, connecting Valparai to Chalakudy directly, but this service was discontinued approximately 20 years ago.
Subsequently, private buses played a vital role in travel between the two states. For the past 65 years, two private buses with valid operating licenses had been providing passenger transportation between Valparai and Chalakudy. This service was considered vital for both locals and tourists.
However, recently, after the Kerala government introduced free travel for women on government buses, private bus operators suffered financial losses. Following the implementation of the scheme, a large number of women passengers began using government buses, significantly reducing the number of female passengers on private buses.
According to bus operators, the number of women traveling on the Valparai-Chalkudy route was previously quite high. However, after the introduction of free travel, women began preferring government buses over private buses. This led to a steady decline in the income of private buses.
Bus management stated that it was difficult to cover diesel expenses, driver and conductor salaries, vehicle maintenance, and other expenses. Due to persistent losses, both private bus operators finally decided to discontinue the service.
The discontinuation of this bus service could cause inconvenience to local residents and travelers, especially those who relied on this service to travel from Valparai to Chalakudy and surrounding tourist destinations.
This bus service was also very convenient for tourists traveling to Athirappilly Falls. It was a direct and easy option to reach Kerala’s tourist destinations from the Valparai region. Now, tourists will have to resort to alternative means of travel.
Local residents have demanded that the transport departments of both states take steps to restart regular bus services on this route. They say this route is important not only for local transportation but also for tourism and connectivity between the two states.
Transport experts believe that while government schemes aim to provide relief to the public, it is also important to consider the impact on private transportation services. In many rural and border areas, private buses are the primary mode of transportation.
The closure of the bus service between Valparai and Chalakudy has once again raised the question of how to balance government transportation schemes and private bus services, ensuring better passenger service.
For now, the closure of this 65-year-old private bus service has caused disappointment among local residents. Passengers hope that the government or relevant departments will take steps to provide alternative transportation on this route in the future.
