Kottayam: Passengers who rely on long-distance private buses to travel to neighbouring states are facing severe hardships due to the lack of basic waiting facilities. With hundreds depending on these services daily for work and education, the situation has sparked widespread concern and calls for urgent intervention.

Until recently, long-distance buses operating to cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Mangaluru used to halt at the waiting station near Baker Junction in Kottayam. However, citing worsening traffic congestion in the town, authorities directed these buses to shift their stopover point to the area near the Nagampadom Indoor Stadium.

This move has caused significant inconvenience, especially for students and employees who commute regularly. Since most of these buses operate without permits, they are not allowed to officially pick up or drop passengers at designated bus stations. As a result, commuters are now forced to wait by the roadside, often in uncomfortable and unsafe conditions.

At times, passengers are seen standing in the rain without shelter, placing their belongings on the wet pavement. With no proper seating or cover, their daily wait has turned into an ordeal. Passengers have urged authorities to allow these long-distance buses to halt near the private bus depots so they can board safely and comfortably.