Private bus operators have warned of resuming an indefinite strike on the Kannur-Thalassery-Thottada route from January 28, protesting what they term the unscientific construction of the National Highway (NH) near the Nadal railway gate. The warning was issued at a meeting of office-bearers of the Bus Operators Association held at Chala.
Though National Highway development is progressing rapidly, the construction of a newly built underpass near the Nadal railway gate has emerged as a major bottleneck. The underpass has been built with inadequate height, making it impossible for large vehicles to pass through. As a result, KSRTC and private buses are forced to use narrow service roads, leading to severe traffic congestion and delays stretching for hours, causing hardship to commuters and residents alike.
The issue recently drew the attention of C. Sadanandan, MP, who personally inspected the underpass near Oorapazhachikkavu UPS School, Edakkad. Acknowledging the inconvenience faced by the public, the MP said he had directly witnessed flaws in the highway construction and assured that the matter would be raised with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. He also announced that a discussion on the issue would be held in Delhi on January 19.
Meanwhile, bus owners have demanded immediate corrective measures to ease traffic congestion in the area. They stated that if no concrete decision emerges from the joint committee meeting scheduled for January 24, bus services on the Kannur-Thalassery route will be suspended from January 28 as part of a protest. Residents have also voiced strong resentment, alleging that planning errors by the National Highways Authority are responsible for the present crisis.
Published – January 18, 2026 08:14 pm IST
