Wayanad: Residents of the hilly regions are facing severe hardship following the suspension of the KSRTC night bus service on the Kalpetta–Meppadi–Chooralmala route, which had been in operation for over four decades. The service, which departs Kalpetta at 8:20 pm and reaches Chooralmala by 9:30 pm, was halted two weeks ago.

The disruption is reportedly due to the unavailability of accommodation for the bus driver and conductor. At present, there are no regular KSRTC services from Kalpetta to Chooralmala after 6:10 pm.

Currently, the only evening transport option is a private bus operating from Meppadi to Chooralmala at 8:00 pm. However, this service is unreliable, and on days when it does not run, passengers are left with no choice but to hire taxis at steep rates. This has caused significant distress for local residents, especially women and children, who often have to wait for hours in Meppadi after 6:40 pm due to the lack of available vehicles.

It has become a common sight to see residents of hilly areas -- including plantation workers and others returning late from hospitals such as Kozhikode Medical College or other distant destinations stranded in Meppadi, unable to secure transport to the higher regions.

The now-suspended KSRTC service was a vital link for many: traders in Meppadi and Kalpetta, workers in commercial establishments, and residents who depend on it for evening travel and essential shopping. Following the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide disaster, taxi drivers have also become reluctant to make trips to the hilly areas at night, further worsening the crisis.

People living in Chooralmala, Neelikkappu, Elavayal, Puthumala, Kashmir, Kalladi, Meenakshi, Thanjilode, Nellimunda, and Chulikka are among those most affected by the lack of night time transport.

Taxi services on the Meppadi–Chooralmala route have been limited for several years, and the few that do operate typically cease service by evening.

Until recently, KSRTC staff used a room attached to the mosque in Chooralmala for overnight accommodation. The current issue began when they were asked to vacate this space. Though accommodation has been offered in Soochippara Elavayal, KSRTC staff have expressed reluctance, citing the distance, more than a kilometre from the main Chooralmala road and practical difficulties in accessing it.

KSRTC officials have indicated that if suitable accommodation can be arranged within Chooralmala town itself, the night bus service could potentially be reinstated.