Kannur Corporation to press for double-decker bus service connecting tourism destinations

The overwhelming public response to the open-top double-decker bus introduced for Kannur Dasara has prompted the Kannur Corporation to press for a dedicated service connecting the district’s tourist destinations. The bus earned over ₹6.01 lakh in revenue during its 11-day run, against the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) initial expectation of ₹20,000 a day.

Mayor P. Indra said the Corporation had taken up the matter with the government and would press for a dedicated service connecting tourist attractions such as St. Angelo Fort, Payyambalam beach and Muzhappilangad beach.

“We have requested the government to provide a bus permanently for Kannur. A service that connects destinations such as the Fort, Payyambalam and Muzhappilangad would be of great benefit. We will press for it,” she said.

The Mayor said the open-top format, with music adding to its appeal, offered a distinctive experience. A smaller vehicle of the same design could be considered if a full-size double-decker was unavailable, she said. The service could benefit tourists and residents, including elderly people who could use the lower deck.

Brought from Kochi for the festival, the double-decker bus operated from October 12 to 22. Its highest single-day collection was ₹80,250 on October 21. It earned ₹43,600 on the opening day and ₹55,050 on the final day. The 40-minute ride, with tickets priced at ₹100 and ₹50, drew crowds throughout the festival.

K.R. Thanseer, KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell district coordinator, said the response demonstrated the potential of a permanent service, provided suitable routes and infrastructure were identified. “People came from places such as Kanhangad and Cherupuzha, as well as from interior areas, specifically to ride the bus,” he said.

Mr. Thanseer said there had initially been a proposal to take the bus back to Kochi if the service failed to meet expectations. However, the opening day’s collection changed that assessment.

Traffic congestion during Dasara had restricted the number of trips, with journeys scheduled for about 30 minutes sometimes taking up to an hour and a half. With smoother traffic and efficient operations, a well-planned tourism service could earn up to ₹1.5 lakh a day under favourable conditions, he estimated.

However, low-hanging electricity lines and trees on the proposed Payyambalam route would have to be cleared or made safe. The road to Muzhappilangad beach was congested and unsuitable for the bus in its present condition, he said.

Mr. Thanseer said KSRTC had indicated that a bus could be made available, but a viable route and the necessary infrastructure had to be ensured first.