Kochi: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) decision to implement a major cut in buses allotted to operate Sabari special services is set to make life of inter-state pilgrims arriving by train at Ernakulam station, the main halt en route Sabarimala, a bit difficult this pilgrimage season. Only five buses have been allotted to the Ernakulam depot this pilgrimage season as against 20, including new Sabari Super Deluxe buses, provided last season.
“During peak arrival days, we used to operate upto 35 services from the Ernakulam railway station to Pamba. However, this time over we have been granted only five additional buses for the services. This means either we have to withdraw regular services and deploy them for Pamba or effect a cut on the special services,” said a KSRTC official. The depot has only 25 buses fit to operate to Pamba, out of which 11 are currently being used to operate ‘Take-over services’ (those routes taken over by KSRTC which were earlier operated by private buses).
“We can’t stop the take-over services and we’ll be forced to cut other regular services which will only result in loss. For instance a Thiruvananthapuram trip could fetch a collection of Rs 25,000 while a Pamba trip will only get you Rs10, 000,” the official said. However, the depot will daily operate two services to Pamba at 9 am and 9 pm for which the reservation facility will be available. “We’ve opened a counter at the railway stations and will try our best to meet the demand,” the official said. There are often complaints of private operators fleecing pilgrims by charging three to four times higher than the normal fare.
