Contract carriage operators in Kozhikode struggle to overcome pandemic-induced crisis

Cancellation of excursions, pilgrimages deals a blow to sector

The delay in reopening the tourism sector following the pandemic outbreak has paralysed the business of hundreds of contract carriage operators in Kozhikode district. For over two years, they have been finding it hard to mobilise funds for vehicle maintenance, tax liabilities and repayment of bank loans. Operators in the sector say they are even finding it hard to sell off their vehicles. Owners of big luxury buses and other customised four-wheel vehicles are equally in crisis with the falling number of booking and the looming uncertainty, they add. “In the past, school excursions were an assured source of income for many local entrepreneurs in the sector. Since the pandemic outbreak, it was given up by school managements. Same is the case with all local tours usually organised by families, organisations and residents’ forums,” says K. Babu, a tourist bus operator in the city. He says the cancellation of pilgrimages is another major blow to the sector.