KSRTC not to run Volvo buses to Sabarimala this season

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will temporarily halt the operation of Volvo buses to Sabarimala Temple. Although there has been a surge in demand, after last year’s restrictions, the Kerala government has decided to allow only 30,000 devotees. Only Rajahamsa buses will ply the route this year, from Bengaluru to Pamba-Nilakkal.

According to the statement released by KSRTC on Friday, “the Corporation will operate Rajahamsa bus services for the convenience of people travelling from Bengaluru to Pamba-Nilakkal, starting December 15. The ticket fares have been fixed at Rs.950, from Shanti Nagar bus depot to Pamba.”

The Volvo service is a popular one and sees thousands of pilgrims every year. “People who weren’t taking their cars preferred the luxury Volvo bus,” said a senior KSRTC official. “All vehicles coming in from elsewhere have to stop at the base camp in Nilakkal which is nearly 23 kilometres from Pampa, where the shrine is located. After that, they have to either board a Kerala State Road Transport bus or an electric vehicle provided by the Devasdwom Board to reach their destination. People were naturally worried about parking their own vehicles over 20-kilometres away. That’s how the Volvo buses became so popular. Now, due to restrictions, there is also less demand for the Volvo bus,” the official explained.

Choosing a convenient mode of transportation has always been a difficult decision especially when the demand is less. The Karnataka RTC claims that they are trying their best to meet people’s demands.