KOZHIKODE: The four-day-long private bus strike that severely affected the public transport in Vadakara and surrounding rural areas was officially called off following a high-level dispute resolution meeting chaired by the Kozhikode District Collector MS Madhavikutty on Thursday.
Under the consensus reached between administrative authorities, bus operators, and union representatives, private buses will be permitted to continue parking along the Link Road as usual until October 15.
The impasse began after local authorities attempted to shift private bus parking operations from the Link Road to the old bus stand, citing traffic congestion as the National Highway 66 construction works continue.
The relocation triggered intense pushback from bus crew members and trade union factions, leading to strikes that entered their fourth day.
The concerns mounted when the rebel staff continued the strike for the last two days while the union leaders and bus operators agreed to call off the strike on Monday.
Routes connecting Vadakara to Koyilandy, Payyoli, Perambra, and Kolavipalam suffered severe disruptions, stranding thousands of daily commuters and school students.
During Thursday's conciliation talks, officials agreed to grant a temporary reprieve allowing buses to operate and park at the Link Road site through October 15.
The extension will provide administrative agencies and transport stakeholders like the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC) time to evaluate traffic congestion patterns, consult key civil society groups, and formulate a permanent traffic management layout for Vadakara town without causing further public inconvenience even after the NH66 construction works.
With the resolution accepted by trade unions, workers and operators, normal private bus services across Vadakara taluk have officially resumed since Thursday afternoon.