A KSRTC bus unites strangers into a family

A vibrant community of daily commuters on a KSRTC bus from Thiruvambady to Calicut University forms a tight-knit family.

A KSRTC bus, plying daily from Thiruvambady to Calicut University, has transcended its role as a mere mode of transportation. It has created a vibrant community, where friendships forged during daily commutes have blossomed into a tight-knit family.

Since its beginning in 2016, the bus service connects around 600 members who include university staff, schoolteachers, and employees from Cyberpark, KINFRA, and other institutions. The bus starts its daily journey at 7.50 a.m. from Thiruvambady, and reaches Calicut University by 9.50 a.m., providing a joyful reunion of familiar faces. Regular passengers from Mukkam, Kunnamangalam and Medical College areas are an integral part of this bus ride.

The conductor no longer needs to ask for the passengers’ destinations. Everyone on this bus is a friend. Among them was N.P. Hafiz Mohammed, former professor of sociology at the university. He was a regular traveller on this bus before COVID-19 pandemic. But he left an indelible mark on this travel group by coining the term ‘Mukkuty’, blending Mukkam and university to christen their WhatsApp group, a testament to the bonds forged during their daily journeys.

The Mukkuty WhatsApp group serves as a vital hub not only connecting the members but also providing real-time updates on the bus’s daily movements. Driver Shihab typically initiates the updates, alerting the group when the bus begins its journey, and others continue to share updates as the bus travels along.

On Sunday last, the camaraderie culminated in a memorable picnic to Wayanad, where the Mukkuty family spent a fun-filled day exploring scenic spots like Pookode and Karapuzha. There were 50 of them in the 52-seater bus.

N.K. Venugopal, a university employee and one of the group’s key organisers, said that the bus crew had become an integral part of the Mukkuty family. “Our Wayanad trip was an unforgettable experience, filled with laughter, games and adventure,” Mr. Venugopal said.

But it was not the group’s maiden outing. The Mukkuty family has a tradition of organising annual excursions, having previously visited Pulloorampara in 2017 and Wayanad in 2018. The community also celebrates festivals and special occasions on the bus.