Wayanad: In a heartwarming gesture of compassion, dialysis patients and their caregivers can now travel free of cost on the Nandanam bus running on the Kalpetta–Vaduvanchal route in Wayanad. The bus, Nandanam, owned by Srinivasan of Chungkathara in Meppadi, has been faithfully serving passengers on the Kalpetta–Vaduvanchal route for over 21 years.

The initiative was launched by Moopainad Grama Panchayat president R Unnikrishnan, who flagged off the first journey by ceremoniously handing over a ticket.

Moopainad is one of the panchayats in the district with the highest number of kidney patients, some of whom require dialysis up to 15 times a month. The free travel to hospitals in Meppadi comes as a major relief to such families, many of whom struggle with the recurring cost of transportation. Notably, even accompanying family members are allowed to travel free under this scheme.

Known for its social commitment, Nandanam has provided free services on several occasions in the past for charitable causes. This time, however, Srinivasan has embarked on a mission that directly eases the burden of ordinary people battling chronic illness.

Currently, five private buses owned by Srinivasan operate in the district, and plans are underway to extend this free travel initiative to the other buses as well. The gesture has already received heartfelt appreciation from regular passengers and the public alike, said driver P Basheer and conductor K V Vinoop.