Private bus operators have warned against resuming an indefinite strike on the Kannur-Thalassery-Thottada route from January 28, protesting what they call the unscientific construction of the National Highway (NH) near the Nadal railway gate. The warning was issued at a meeting of officials of the Association of Bus Carriers in Chala.
Although the development of the national highways is progressing rapidly, the construction of the newly constructed underpass near the Nadal railway gate has proved to be a major hurdle. The underpass is built at an inadequate height, which makes it impossible for large vehicles to pass through. As a result, KSRTC buses and private buses are forced to use narrow service roads, leading to heavy traffic jams and delays stretching for hours, causing inconvenience to commuters and residents alike.
The matter recently attracted the attention of MP C. Sadanandan, who personally inspected the underpass near Oorapazhachikkavu UPS School in Edakkad. Acknowledging the inconvenience faced by the public, the MP said he had directly witnessed the deficiencies in the construction of the expressway and assured that the matter would be taken up with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. He also announced that a discussion on the issue would be held in Delhi on January 19.
Meanwhile, bus owners demanded immediate remedial measures to ease traffic congestion in the area. They said that if no concrete decision comes out of the joint committee meeting scheduled for January 24, bus services on the Kannur-Thalassery route will be suspended from January 28 as part of the protest. Residents have also expressed strong displeasure, claiming the National Roads Authority’s planning mistakes are responsible for the current crisis.
Published – 18 Jan 2026 20:14 IST
