KSRTC to deploy 900 buses for Pampa during Makaravilakku festival

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will operate a fleet of 900 buses to ferry devotees to Pampa during the Makaravilakku festival.

Addressing a review meeting at Pampa on Sunday, Transport Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar said an additional 100 buses would be deployed based on demand. Extra parking facilities will also be arranged at the Pampa hilltop to accommodate the increased number of bus services.

He also highlighted that no road accidents related to the Sabarimala pilgrimage have been reported so far this season, calling it a significant relief. Additional safety measures will be implemented in the next season to further minimize risks, he added.

Meanwhile, the Pathanamthitta district administration has initiated steps to ensure the safety of pilgrims at all viewpoints during the Makarajyothi darshan. A joint security inspection of the viewpoints is scheduled for January 7, involving multiple departments. Authorities also convened a meeting to review arrangements for the Makaravilakku festival and the Thiruvabharana procession.

Decisions were taken to prevent pilgrims from accessing unauthorised viewpoints. Safety barriers will be installed at all viewpoints and along roads identified as potential hazards.

Police will provide security for the procession of holy jewels from Pandalam, and essential facilities such as pathway lighting, drinking water and bio-toilets will be ensured along the procession route. Measures will be taken to allow procession vehicles to pass from Valiyanavattam to Sannidhanam without obstruction. Traffic will be jointly managed by the police and the Motor Vehicles Department.

Medical teams, including ambulances, will accompany the procession and be stationed at key viewpoints. On the day of the Makaravilakku festival, a special control room will operate at the District Medical Office. The Forest Department will deploy elephant squads and Rapid Response Teams along the route. Local bodies will clean riverbanks and install hazard warning boards, and lifeguards will be stationed where needed.

KSRTC will also run additional services on the Nilackal–Pampa route from the start of the procession. Fire Force scuba teams will be on standby.