KSRTC to Deploy 390 Buses During Sabarimala Mandala Pooja Season and 560 Buses During Makaravilakku Season
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has intensified preparations for the 2026–27 Sabarimala Mandala Pooja–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, with a focus on ensuring safe, smooth and efficient transportation for Ayyappa devotees.
Considering the large number of pilgrims expected to arrive from within Kerala and from other states, KSRTC plans to deploy 390 buses during the Mandala Pooja period. As heavier crowds are expected during the Makaravilakku period, 560 buses will be prepared for service during that phase. Additional buses will also be deployed wherever required based on pilgrim demand.
KSRTC will deploy staff in phases to ensure the efficient operation of services at Pampa and Nilakkal. The plan provides for 678 personnel in the first phase and 778 personnel in the second phase.
Additional services will also be operated from the Kayamkulam and Mavelikkara KSRTC units, taking into account the travel requirements of pilgrims.
Special attention is being given to arrangements for the smooth operation of Nilakkal–Pampa chain services, along with bus parking, passenger waiting facilities and traffic management.
KSRTC is coordinating all necessary arrangements to ensure safe, smooth and efficient transportation for Sabarimala pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage season. Transport Minister C.P. John had also announced recently that KSRTC would lease 500 additional buses to operate extra services during the pilgrimage season.
Meanwhile, the state government has sanctioned ₹551.5011 crore for various Sabarimala pilgrimage-related works. The sanction followed a proposal submitted by the Public Works Minister after a Sabarimala review meeting, which received approval from the Chief Minister.
The allocation marks an increase from the ₹377.80 crore sanctioned for the 2025–26 pilgrimage season and ₹326.97 crore for 2024–25.
The government has also stressed the need to complete all preparations before the pilgrimage season begins. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan recently warned the departments concerned that there should be no repeat of a situation in which preparatory works continue even after the Sabarimala pilgrimage has commenced. He directed the departments to ensure that there are no lapses in providing the required facilities and security arrangements for Ayyappa devotees.