Ayyappa devotees to travel non-stop: KSRTC to run limited stop Sabari specials

Kochi: This pilgrimage season, Ayyappa devotees can travel non-stop to Pamba and back from major destinations across the state with the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) all set to launch new ‘Sabari’ services from next week. “The highlight of the service is that it will have only one or two stops at the most and have facilities like free wi-fi, pushback seats and air-suspension. The services are expected to benefit devotees coming in groups to the hill shrine. Both AC and non-AC services will be operated under the category,” a senior official said.

Unlike its other fleets, the ‘Sabari’ buses will be designed and themed after nature. "The attempt is to spread awareness among people about the need to protect eco-sensitive Periyar reserve forest. Messages exhorting pilgrims not to use plastic bottles and the like will be displayed,” he said. The fare for the non AC services will be similar to that of the ‘Silverline Jet’ and the AC services will be priced at low-floor AC LS fares. The idea is the brainchild of new managing director M.G. Rajamanickam and the launch is slated for next week.

“The final body works of the buses are fast progressing at the central workshop. The MD is on leave due to personal reasons and exact date of launch will be finalised in a day or two when he joins back,” the officer said. Once the three month season ends, the authorities are mulling to continue the 'non-stop' services in another name connecting the three metro cities. "However, a final decision on this is yet to be taken." In addition, the KSRTC will run 500 special services, including inter-state schedules, from various depots besides deploying 350 chain services in the Pamba-Nilackkal section.