Chellanam: Thekke Chellanam residents in Kochi have sought urgent measures to construct a bus stand at the place. Being located on the border with Alappuzha, Chellanam is the last stop for around 60 buses, including long-distance services, which highlights the need for a bus stand.

In fact, the demand has existed for decades, as numerous buses from places such as Cherthala, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thoppumpady and Vyttila, including KSRTC services, conclude their trips at Thekke Chellanam. A large number of commuters, particularly students, from Ernakulam and Alappuzha, arrive at Thekke Chellanam daily as it is a border area.

However, the place lacks facilities even to reverse or turn buses. Due to a lack of space, all the buses are parked on the side of the coastal road, causing difficulties for other vehicles. The situation has also led to frequent accidents and disputes with bus employees.

Many of the buses are now cancelling their last trips to Chellanam, as the place lacks space to park the vehicles at night. Moreover, there are no facilities for bus staff to stay and carry out their basic needs.

At the same time, residents said that a plot suitable for constructing a bus stand exists near the St George Church at Chellanam. The Chellanam panchayat should take the initiative to build a bus stand here, by involving the owners of this land, said residents.