KSRTC Launching Inter-State Services from Pamba for Sabarimala Pilgrims

Sabarimala: Permits have been granted for inter-state KSRTC bus services from Pamba, enabling direct connections to major destinations in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Services will soon begin to Chennai, Coimbatore, Palani, Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, Cumbum, and Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, for which 67 buses have received operational permits. In Karnataka, KSRTC will operate services to Bengaluru.

As the Sabarimala pilgrimage season completes its first week since the temple’s opening, KSRTC has ensured smooth transportation facilities for devotees. A total of 3,710 long-distance services have been operated to and from Pamba, generating record revenue. Earnings up to Sunday amounted to 4,27,71,797 rupees.

Of these, 1,831 services were run from Pamba and Nilakkal, while 1,879 buses arrived at Pamba from various locations. The Nilakkal–Pamba chain service continues to perform successfully, with 15,860 chain services operated so far.

Over 6.5 lakh pilgrims have utilised KSRTC transportation in the first week of the season. A significant portion of revenue has come from chain services. The Pamba depot alone has recorded average earnings exceeding 60 lakh rupees, marking a 20 percent increase from last year. Frequent destinations include Chengannur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Thiruvananthapuram, with 502 buses from 15 stations operating as special services to Pamba.

For this year’s Sabarimala duty, KSRTC prioritised drivers and conductors who volunteered for service. Personnel selected were those with clean track records, including no involvement in serious accidents and no history of alcohol use. In addition, mobile mechanical teams have been deployed at Chalakayam, Plappally, Perunad, Vadasserikkara, Athikkayam, Mukkada, and Plachery to ensure uninterrupted service. KSRTC’s ambulance van is also on standby at Pamba for emergency assistance.