Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 16 The Keralam’s public transport carrier, KSRTC, will deploy 461 buses during the upcoming Mandalam season and 561 during the Makaravilakku festival to ensure smooth travel for Sabarimala pilgrims, authorities said on Friday.
The 41-day annual Mandala Pooja season at the Lord Ayyappa temple begins on November 17, while the Makaravilakku festival falls on January 14, 2027.
The corporation has made extensive arrangements in view of the pilgrimage season, including additional buses based on passenger demand and the deployment of leased buses if required, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) said in a statement.
Special services will connect various depots and pilgrimage centres across the state, including Pampa, Nilakkal, Chengannur, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Erumeli, Thiruvananthapuram Central, Ernakulam, Kumily, Kottarakkara, Punalur, Adoor, Thrissur, Guruvayur and Kayamkulam.
The KSRTC will deploy 678 employees during the Mandalam season and 778 during the Makaravilakku festival at Pampa and Nilakkal. The first phase will include 325 drivers and 225 conductors, while the second phase will have 375 drivers and 275 conductors.
Employees have been given fire and rescue and medical training to ensure safe and efficient operations. Mechanical staff have also received specialised training, including from vehicle manufacturers, the statement said.
The corporation’s Budget Tourism Cell is making arrangements for chartered pilgrimage trips and online reservations. Special services to Pampa will also be organised from temples near various depots and designated service centres, depending on demand.
The KSRTC will soon publish details of more than 70 selected temples where arrangements are being made for pilgrims to rest and stay overnight.
Facilities for bus parking, garages, staff accommodation and rest areas will be improved at Pampa and Nilakkal. Measures will also be taken to prevent unauthorised parking, ensure police assistance near the Nilakkal bus station, and provide waiting sheds and barricades for passengers at Thriveni.
Coordination with the Pampa control room will be strengthened to manage crowds and deploy buses according to pilgrim arrivals and return journeys.
The corporation will also work with relevant departments to curb unauthorised parallel services and parking that affect bus operations on the Nilakkal-Pampa route and other key locations.
Special transport management committee meetings involving elected representatives will be held at Pampa, Chengannur and other centres to coordinate the arrangements, the statement added.
(PTI News)
