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Time of India

Technopark employees urge KSRTC to resume weekend long-distance bus services

Thiruvananthapuram: With increasing weekend travel difficulties, those working at Technopark have demanded the resumption of weekend long-distance KSRTC bus services from the campus. These services were halted during the pandemic and never reinstated. The techies are set to meet KSRTC MD on June 7 to address the issue. Before the pandemic, KSRTC operated multiple weekend buses connecting Technopark to major parts of the state. However, after the shift to remote work during the lockdown, the services were discontinued and have not resumed even after most companies returned to hybrid or full office work modes. "Employees are now back in the office, but KSRTC has not resumed the weekend services," said Rajeev Krishnan, convenor of Prathidwani, the socio-cultural and welfare organisation of IT employees in Technopark. "This has forced many to rely on trains, where getting a confirmed ticket over the weekend is a constant struggle. Restoring KSRTC services will ease this burden and encourage safer, more reliable travel options," he added. In response to growing concerns, a delegation from Prathidwani met transport minister K B Ganesh Kumar in Feb this year to raise the issue. The minister assured the delegation that the matter would be examined. However, services were not reinstated. A Thrissur-bound service was started but was also halted, citing an insufficient number of passengers. "Long queues at railway stations, last-minute cancellations and overcrowded compartments have made travel unpredictable and stressful," said Jayakrishna R, joint executive committee member of KSRTC Forum in Prathidwani. Sources within KSRTC acknowledged the growing demand and admitted that resuming these services was under consideration. "We will look into the issue and will come up with a solution soon. The outcome of the meeting with the KSRTC MD will be critical in determining whether the long-pending service gets the green light for reintroduction," said a senior KSRTC official. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !