The KSRTC on Thursday launched a new bus service from Wellington Island to the Ernakulam boat jetty, for the convenience Lakshadweep residents who come to Willingdon Island every day by ship.
Lakshadweep MP Mohammed Faizal and Lakshadweep Administrator Vijay Kumar together inaugurated the service by flagging off the new bus at a function held at Willingdon Island.
The route of the new service is Ernakulam Warf North Gate-Willingdon Island-Boat Jetty bus stand. Until now, passengers arriving at Willingdon Island had to walk several kilometres after alighting from ship to access public transport. Since the majority of them are travelling from Kavaratti to Kochi for medical treatment, the other main category being students, waiting for long hours for public transport has been a painful experience.
Launch of of the new AC bus service is expected to put an end to their miseries.
“For travelling from the port to Kochi, the passengers used to pay almost twice the amount they pay for the ship journey. The bus service is a much-needed facility for them,” said Mohammed Faizal, on whose request Transportation Minister A K Saseendran granted permission for the new bus service.
“This bus service will be very helpful for the people of Lakshadweep, for which we are thankful to the State Government, the Transportation Minister and the KSRTC,” said Vijay Kumar.
“The frequency of the bus service will be increased in the coming days as every ship carry 150-750 passengers at a time,” added Mohammed Faizal.
Source: New Indian Express
