Parasuram Express returns: Kerala’s first private AC bus from Wayanad to Kochi makes a grand comeback

Sulthan Bathery: It’s a moment of jubilation for bus fans in Kerala as the iconic ‘Parasuram Express’ is back on the road, revived as Parasuram Express 2.0 after years of hiatus. Once hailed as the “Gareeb Rath of the road”, the state’s first air-conditioned private bus service resumed operations on Sunday to much fanfare, especially on social media.

Originally launched in 2008, the bus operated between Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad and Paravoor in Ernakulam, passing through Guruvayoor and Kodungallur. The service was forced off the road in 2023 after the state government ordered the takeover of all private routes exceeding 140 km.

Unlike its namesake train, Parasuram Express that runs between Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram, the bus version offered a luxurious travel experience at superfast bus fare. With amenities like AC, reclining seats, online booking, television, and a Metro-style destination announcement system, it quickly earned a devoted fan base.

“When we had to suspend operations after the government order, fans flooded our Facebook page with messages of grief and support,” said PK Rajasekharan, co-owner of the Jayanthi Janatha (JJ) Group, which operates the service. “We were the first to introduce a private AC bus in the state, and our trained staff won the hearts of passengers in no time.”

He added that many passengers exclusively chose the service for their regular commute, especially on the Sulthan Bathery–Kozhikode stretch, drawn by the comfort and customer-friendly service that made Parasuram Express a cult favourite.

The new Parasuram Express 2.0 will now run between Sulthan Bathery and Vyttila Hub in Ernakulam. Equipped with cutting-edge features, the bus is the first in Kerala to be based on the Ashok Leyland smart bus platform.

The highlights of the new bus include:

• An advanced air-suspension system for a smooth, car-like ride
• A hybrid electric battery-powered AC that can run for six hours even when the engine is off
• Electromagnetic retarder brakes for enhanced safety
• A state-of-the-art fire suppression system with a 125-litre water tank and five-minute auto-spray capability in case of fire.

“We’ve been flooded with calls from excited fans since announcing the relaunch on our Facebook page,” Rajasekharan said. Now operating under an All-India Tourist Permit, the service can be booked through popular online platforms like RedBus, AbhiBus, Paytm, Travel Yaari, and Via.com.

With over four decades in the private bus industry and a fleet of 18 vehicles, all named after trains, the JJ Group first rolled out the Parasuram Express in 2008 as a game-changer in long-distance bus travel. Its relaunch marks a fresh chapter in the state’s private transport history.

Ideal for budget travellers
Alongside providing top-class service, Parasuram is also trying to offer subsidised rates to passengers, as compared to other operators. PK Jayaprakash, another proprietor of the group, told Onamanorama that the cost for travel between Sulthan Bathery to Kochi via Parasuram is ₹599 if booked through the direct mobile number, and if it is through the agency apps, it would be around ₹50 more. This fare is around ₹100 less than the KSRTC swift A/C charges, and much lower than the other private players, he claims. The fare from Kozhikode to Sulthan Bathery is ₹199.  Moreover, at a time when even KSRTC is opting for the flexi fare system, eliciting high fares from passengers during holidays and festival seasons, the fare of Parasuram is fixed, says Jayaprakash. 

"At present, the passenger can book through the website portal or by calling the service number", he said, adding that the agency apps would start catering within one or two days.

Customised for high-range roads
"Considering the ghat section of the road, the height of the bus has been reduced, and the vehicle is 'senior citizen-friendly' as the boarding steps also have been lowered", he pointed out. The seat alignment and space allocation for seats are also scientific, which enables even a person of 6 ft height to sit cosily in the seats, he pointed out. Interestingly, the group has also prioritised the comfort of the staff and has provided a separate AC unit for the crew cabin.  
For more details, visit www.parasuramchillbus.in or call 7360059005.