Islanders step up demand for extended bus services
KOCHI: Goshree islanders under the aegis of Goshree Manushyavakasa Samrakshana Samiti (GMSS) have reiterated their demand for extension of bus services from Vypeen to Kochi city. At present, bus services from the island end up at High Court Junction.
GMSS chairman Paul J. Mampilly accused the authorities of playing hide-and-seek with islanders without clarifying as to why bus services from the west were not being allowed into the city limits, even as the Goshree bridges were built with the specific purpose of providing connectivity to islanders.
“The Goshree bridges were opened with much fanfare in 2004. At that time, it was hoped that the bus services from Vypeen would be allowed into the city. However, the authorities have been putting off a decision on the matter citing various reasons,” said Mr. Mampilly.
He added that as many as 22 Thirukochi services operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) had permission to enter the city, which was a consolation to islanders. However, around 170 private bus services from the island are not being allowed into the city, he said.
Manju Komath, who had spearheaded the agitation for nearly a quarter century demanding the construction of the bridges, termed the situation a grave injustice to residents of Vypeen and islands surrounding the main city.
Protest
“The authorities had promised full extension of bus services after the inauguration of the bridges,” he recalled. GMSS members will gather at the space near Lalan Tower at High Court Junction on November 23 to formally register their protest and launch the second phase of agitation demanding extended bus services, Mr. Mampilly said.
