KSRTC's special buses for Sabarimala pilgrimage

The KSRTC will roll out special services from Chengannur on November 13 for the Sabarimala pilgrimage, deploying up to 80 buses to handle the expected rush. The initial fleet will comprise 60 buses, with more vehicles added as the passenger numbers rise. Adequate staff will also be deployed round the clock to manage the services.

The decision was taken at a review meeting chaired by Minister K Muraleedharan and attended by officials from various departments, Devaswom officials and people's representatives. The minister directed the Food Safety Department to intensify inspections and ensure the supply of safe drinking water. He also called for extreme vigilance against the threat of communicable diseases. The KSEB was directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply in areas frequented by pilgrims.

Key decisions and directions
- The district medical officer was directed to ensure adequate stocks of medicines and sufficient doctors at hospitals in Chengannur and nearby areas frequented by pilgrims.
- Traffic arrangements should ensure that pilgrims face no inconvenience during their journey.

- The movement of pilgrims in the Parakkadavu area should be strictly regulated.
- The health department will reserve six beds in the Government Boys' High School building and 10 beds at the hospital exclusively for pilgrims. Four ICU beds will also be made available.
- The municipality will arrange facilities for 500 pilgrims to rest and provide 20 toilets.

- A total of 140 police personnel, 100 special police officers and 25 home guards will be deployed. A control room will function round the clock.
- The Public Works Department said the road from Puthenveettilpadi railway underpass to Mahadeva Temple would be repaired and opened to traffic by November 15.
- The health department will set up a 24-hour clinic at the railway station.

- A help desk and health squads will function near Chengannur hospital.
- Officials have been assigned to identify parking areas and install directional signboards.
- Joint inspection squads comprising officials from the revenue, health, police, municipal, legal metrology and Supplyco departments will carry out inspections.
- The health department and Fire and Rescue Services have been directed to make arrangements for ambulance services.