‘Happiness Bus’ Initiative Launched for Kozhikode’s Elderly

Kozhikode: The Kozhikode Corporation has launched the ‘Happiness Bus’ programme, an initiative providing free sightseeing trips for senior citizens across the city. The project, implemented as part of the Corporation’s Samanwaya scheme, is to promote social engagement and recreation among the elderly population.

The inaugural trip had 38 senior citizens from the Poolakkadavu ward take-off a day-long tour to popular tourist destinations in and around the city. The journey, flagged off by Mayor Beena Philip from the Corporation office at 9.30 a.m.

According to Standing Committee Chairperson P. Divakaran, 38 elderly citizens from each ward will be selected for the trips by senior citizen clubs and ward committees. The tours will cover local attractions such as Kappad, Beypore and Kadalundi.

In the coming days, the buses will depart from the Kozhikode beach at 8 a.m. and return by 8 p.m. A specially decorated KSRTC bus has been set aside for the programme, with images of Kozhikode’s iconic landmarks — including the Thali Temple, Mishkal Mosque, Mananchira CSI Church, the entrance to Mananchira Square, and S.K. Square at Mittayi Theruvu.

Corporation officials said the Happiness Bus is intended to provide senior citizens with opportunities for recreation and companionship.