Thiruvananthapuram: To ensure smooth travel for Ayyappa devotees, KSRTC has deployed 450 buses in the first phase of Sabarimala special services.
The Nilakkal–Pampa chain service is operated with three buses every minute depending on the crowd. Currently, 202 buses have been stationed at Pampa for chain service operations, KSRTC Pampa Special Officer Roy Jacob said.
The fleet includes low-floor AC and non-AC buses. Additionally, 248 long-distance services from major depots, including Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Chengannur, Kottayam, and Ernakulam, are operating to Pampa.
Extra services are also running from Chengannur, Thiruvalla, and Kottayam railway stations to transport pilgrims to Pampa.
A total of 350 drivers and conductors have been deployed for Nilakkal–Pampa services. A mechanic garage is functioning at the Pampa stand to handle repair works. Authorities added that more services will be introduced based on crowd flow.
