800 Buses Deployed for Makaravilakku Festival: KSRTC Ensures Smooth Travel
KSRTC has planned and implemented transportation arrangements for the Makaravilakku festival on January 14, ensuring a seamless travel experience for pilgrims. The key highlights of the arrangements are as follows:
KSRTC will arrange 800 Buses Deployed for Smooth Travel
- A total of 800 buses will be stationed at Pamba for return journeys, including chain services between Pamba and Nilakkal, as well as long-distance services.
Comprehensive Preparations for Pilgrims
- KSRTC has completed extensive preparations for the Ayyappa devotees for makaravillaku mahotsavom
- Of the 800 buses:
- 245 buses are already operational at Pamba, including chain services, long-distance services, and parking circulator services.
- 228 buses are operating from special centers such as Pathanamthitta, Chengannur,Kottayam, Erumely, Kumily, Kottarakkara, Punalur, and Ernakulam.
- An additional 400 buses will be deployed exclusively on Makaravilakku day to manage the increased demand.
"KSRTC Ensures Smooth Travel for Makaravilakku Pilgrims"
KSRTC Pampa Special Officer Shaju Lawrence confirmed that buses will transport pilgrims to Nilakkal Pampa stations, with additional buses from Pathanamthitta and Erumeli if needed. Chain services will continue until the Makaravilakku Mahotsavam ends and the temple closes, based on the arrival of Ayyappa devotees.
As of January 7,
5,150,442 journeys have been made to Sabarimala through KSRTC and KURTC buses, highlighting the extensive travel arrangements in place for the smooth movement of pilgrims.
Timely Operations and Strategic Parking
- Buses from the southern region will start operations on January 13 (evening/night), reaching Pathanamthitta.
- Buses from the central and northern regions will arrive at Kanjirappally and Erumely the same night.
- All buses will report at Pamba by 10 AM on January 14 and will be parked as per precise instructions.
Traffic Management for Hassle-Free Services
- Chain services will run between Pamba Hilltop parking ground and Nilakkal, a stretch of 21 km, with buses parked in a streamlined manner to avoid traffic disruptions.
- Chain services will commence immediately after the Makara Jyoti sighting, completing two service rounds alongside long-distance return trips.
Regulated Vehicle Movements
- Private vehicles parked at Pamba will be allowed to exit only after police clearance, ensuring congestion-free traffic flow.
- Both chain and long-distance services will operate in two streamlined rows, enabling timely transportation for pilgrims.
Collaborative Efforts for Success
- The arrangements have been planned in close collaboration with the police and Devaswom departments to ensure the festival’s success.
- KSRTC has appealed for the cooperation of all stakeholders to make the Makaravilakku festival a grand and devotional celebration.
These well-coordinated measures reflect KSRTC’s commitment to providing an efficient and smooth travel experience for the millions of devotees attending this auspicious event.
