Malayali expat’s email to Kerala CM gets Malappuram–Nedumbassery KSRTC bus service

A Malayali expatriate from Malappuram has managed to get two KSRTC bus services between Malappuram and Kochi airport after sending an email to the Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, raising concerns about the travel difficulties faced by passengers. The new service will begin on September 26.

Abdul Majeed, a native of Vengara in Malappuram who is based in Ajman, sent the email on July 28. He had travelled to Kerala several times over the previous six months and had flown to Dubai twice from Nedumbassery airport. On both occasions, he struggled to reach the airport from Malappuram on time.

He had to travel from Malappuram to Thrissur, then to Angamaly, and finally take an autorickshaw to reach the airport. Thinking about the travel difficulties, Majeed said he drafted the email to the Chief Minister while on the flight. As soon as he reached Dubai airport, he connected to Wi-Fi and sent the email.

“There used to be a KSRTC bus service between Malappuram and Nedumbassery, but it was discontinued for reasons I don't know. Now, passengers have to take several buses to reach Nedumbassery,” Majeed said.

He received an acknowledgement email within 10 minutes of sending his complaint. Two days later, he received a message saying that the Chief Minister had forwarded his email to the Transport Minister. He continued to receive copies of emails exchanged on the matter.

About a week later, he received another email saying that the issue was being studied in detail. Now, exactly two months later, Majeed says the Chief Minister has fulfilled his request.

The new bus service will start on September 26. Of the two buses sanctioned, one will be air-conditioned.

Majeed said many people prefer Nedumbassery because travelling from Kochi is more convenient compared to Karipur, while ticket fares are also a factor.

He said the experience reminded him of how quickly transport-related issues are addressed in Dubai when complaints are raised with the RTA.

“This is the first time I have had such an experience in Kerala,” Majeed said happily.