The strike called by private bus operators in Kannur on Tuesday (July 8) left hundreds of commuters stranded. Nearly 800 private buses stayed off the road as part of the protest, impacting travel across both urban and hilly regions.
The strike caused widespread disruption. Commuters from interior regions like Alakode, Sreekandapuram, and Payyavoor bore the brunt, with no additional services rolled out by KSRTC to mitigate the crisis. “There was no bus to reach the hospital. I waited for hours. KSRTC should have anticipated this,” said Karthiyayani, a resident of Nedumpoyil, who was trying to get to Kannur city.
Despite public expectations that KSRTC would operate special services during the strike, only limited services were deployed from select depots.
According to District Transport Officer Manoj Kumar, additional services were operated from Kannur (6), Thalassery (4), and Payyanur (6). Though some additional buses were sent to Mayyil, Iritty, Koothuparamba, and Kozhikode, several areas remained completely cut off.
“We are prepared to operate additional services if instructed by higher officials,” Mr. Manoj said, acknowledging the overwhelming demand but denying any proactive plan from the management.
The old bus stands at Kannur and Payyanur wore a deserted look throughout the day, and traffic congestion added to commuter woes as people resorted to autorickshaws, cabs, and even walking long distances to reach their destinations.
“There is no clarity from the authorities. If this is the scene for just one day, I wonder what will happen when the indefinite strike begins,” said Padmanabhan, a government staffer working in the Revenue department. Attendance at offices and educational institutions remained comparatively lower than on other days.
The Bus Owners’ Joint Committee has warned of an indefinite strike from July 22, citing unresolved demands, including the renewal of permits for buses and an increase in students’ fares. Tuesday’s protest was a warning shot, indicating that unless the government intervenes meaningfully, Kannur may once again face a complete breakdown of private bus services.
Published – July 08, 2025 05:24 pm IST
