Thiruvananthapuram: Malayalees like to travel alone or in groups. KSRTC is responsible for taking the public to the jungles, bald hills, waterfalls, historical sites, and sea views as per the wishes of the travelers. KSRTC launched its first budget tour in 2021 on Kerala’s birthday. The Chalakudy-Malakappara journey was the first.
Although on a trial basis, KSRTC decided to organize trips from various depots to tourist destinations after the success of the trip. KSRTC is conducting budget tour packages in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the Department of Forests.
There are currently nine major tourism packages of KSRTC in the state. These include Malakappara, Nelliampathi, Wayanad, Jungle Safari, Monrothuruthu, Munnar, Vagamon, Sagararani, and Alappuzha packages from various depots. In addition, KSRTC operates tour package services from some depots to nearby dams, beaches, and elephant farms.
There are also two- and three-day tour packages that depart from 6 am and return in the evening. The Malakkappara service was the highest revenue earner for KSRTC in terms of tour packages. Munnar, Kothamangalam Jungle Safari, and Nelliampathi are close behind.
During the Women’s Travel Week held from March 8 to 13 on the occasion of Women’s Day, KSRTC made 100 trips with only 4500 women traveling. Palakkad, Kannur, Malappuram, and Kozhikode districts had the highest number of women participants.
The KSRTC budget tour package generated revenue of Rs 1,96,62,872 from various services during the four months. In 763 trips, 36,749 passengers arrived at various destinations.
Budget tour packages are regularly updated on KSRTC’s Verified Official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KeralaStateRoadTransportCorporation. KSRTC hopes to offer more tour packages during the holiday months of April and May.
