KSRTC to deploy 950 special buses for Sabarimala pilgrimage season
To accommodate the heavy influx of devotees from different parts of the state, KSRTC plans to operate extra services from its Kayamkulam and Mavelikkara units.
To accommodate the heavy influx of devotees from different parts of the state, KSRTC plans to operate extra services from its Kayamkulam and Mavelikkara units.
To accommodate the heavy influx of devotees from different parts of the state, KSRTC plans to operate extra services from its Kayamkulam and Mavelikkara units.
In a major boost for devotees heading to the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has finalised comprehensive transport arrangements for the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. To facilitate smooth and hassle-free travel for pilgrims, the state transport utility will deploy a fleet of 950 special buses across various routes.
The operations will be executed in two distinct phases to match the pilgrim footfall. During the initial Mandala puja phase, KSRTC will press 390 buses into service. As the pilgrimage peaks during the Makaravilakku phase, the fleet strength will be increased significantly to 560 buses. Officials have also confirmed that additional buses will be kept on standby and deployed dynamically depending on the passenger rush.
Expanding services across regional hubs
To accommodate the heavy influx of devotees from different parts of the state, KSRTC plans to operate extra services from its Kayamkulam and Mavelikkara units. These regional services are designed to connect key transit points directly to the base camps, easing the travel burden on long-distance commuters.
Boosting workforce and operations
Ensuring smooth operations on the ground is a priority, and the corporation is deploying a massive workforce to manage the services. In the first phase of the season, 678 staff members, including drivers, conductors, and technical staff, will be stationed at Pamba and Nilakkal. This on-ground personnel strength will be scaled up to 778 during the second phase to handle the high volume of traffic.
A key focus area for KSRTC is the Nilakkal-Pamba chain service. This corridor serves as the vital transit link for all pilgrims travelling to the hill shrine. The corporation has prioritised the seamless, round-the-clock operation of this chain service to eliminate wait times and prevent congestion at the transit hubs.