Ramesh Pisharody flags off Palakkad's long-awaited KSRTC city bus service

A long-standing public demand of Palakkad residents has finally been met with the launch of the new Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) city bus service. Flagging off the maiden journey, MLA Ramesh Pisharody stated that if the pilot phase proves successful, the government will look to introduce more city buses to improve connectivity across Palakkad. The service has been rolled out under the Priyadarshini scheme, ensuring completely free travel for women passengers.

The service was materialised swiftly after Minister CP John granted immediate approvals following the personal initiative and follow-up by Ramesh Pisharody MLA. The inaugural event was presided over by Ward Councillor MM Ashkar. Notably, the bus route includes a stop near the Government Big Bazaar School, fulfilling a long-term appeal by the school's PTA and local representatives, who had previously petitioned KSRTC for better transit options in the area.

Several prominent officials and local leaders attended the launch event, including District Transport Officer Joshi John, Depot Engineer V Rejimon, General Controlling Inspector V Sanjeevkumar, union representatives PS Mahesh and T Santhosh Kumar, CMP District Secretary P Kaladharan, municipal councillors M Mohanbabu and K Pratibha, and former councillor A Krishnan.

KSRTC city bus timetable
The daily schedule, operating from Monday onwards, is structured as follows:
• 08:10 – Departs Palakkad Stand, arriving at Palakkad Government Medical College at 08:20 via Manappullikavu.
• 8.30 am – Departs Government Medical College, arriving at Melamuri at 09:20 via Yakkara, Chathanankurussi, Noornani, and Big Bazaar School.
• 9.30 am – Departs Melamuri, arriving at Government Medical College at 10:10 via Mercy College, Stadium Bus Stand, and Manappullikavu.
• 10.20 am – Departs Government Medical College, arriving at Olavakkod at 10:50 via Puthiyapalam.
• 11.10 am to 3 pm – Regular shuttle services operating on the Olavakkod – Palakkad Government Medical College route.
• 3.10 pm – Departs Government Medical College, arriving at Melamuri at 15:50 via Civil Station and Mercy College.
• 4 pm – Departs Melamuri, arriving at Government Medical College at 16:50 via Big Bazaar School, Noornani, Chathanankurussi, and Yakkara.
• 5.10 pm – Departs Government Medical College, arriving at Kongad at 18:00 via Olavakkod and Mundur.
•6.10 pm – Departs Kongad, arriving in Palakkad at 7 pm via Mundur and Olavakkod.

Note on service routes
These routes and timings have been introduced on an experimental basis. Optimisations and adjustments may be made to the schedule in the future based on passenger demand, feedback, and revenue generation.