Thiruvananthapuram, 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.
Employees have been given fire and rescue and medical training to ensure safe and efficient operations. 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. Special transport management committee meetings involving elected representatives will be held at Pampa, Chengannur and other centres to coordinate the arrangements, the statement added.
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 said in a statement. Mechanical staff have also received specialised training, including from vehicle manufacturers, the statement said.
