KSRTC plans to deploy 678 employees during the Mandala phase and 778 during Makaravilakku for Sabarimala pilgrimage operations.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is preparing an extensive transport network for the 2026-27 Sabarimala pilgrimage season, with plans to operate a total of 1,022 buses across the Mandala Pooja and Makaravilakku phases. The arrangements are aimed at facilitating travel for devotees visiting the Lord Ayyappa Temple and managing the surge in passenger numbers during the annual pilgrimage.
According to reports published on October 16 and October 21, the corporation plans to run 461 buses during the Mandala season and another 561 during the Makaravilakku phase. The preparations include services from major towns, shuttle operations between Nilakkal and Pampa, additional personnel and measures to improve passenger convenience.
Sabarimala Pilgrimage Dates for 2026-27
The 41-day Mandala Pooja period is scheduled to commence on November 17, 2026. The Makaravilakku festival will follow on January 14, 2027.
The pilgrimage draws devotees from Kerala and several other states. With large numbers travelling to the hill shrine during the two phases, transport demand typically increases on routes connecting railway stations, bus terminals and key pilgrimage centres. KSRTC’s phased deployment is designed to accommodate this demand throughout the season.
Special Services From Key Locations
KSRTC plans to operate special services from several locations across Kerala, including Chengannur, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Erumeli, Thiruvananthapuram Central, Ernakulam, Kumily, Kottarakkara, Punalur, Adoor, Thrissur, Guruvayur and Kayamkulam.
The services are intended to improve access to the main pilgrimage transit points for devotees travelling from different parts of the state. A major component of the plan is the shuttle service linking Nilakkal with Pampa, which serves as a key connection for pilgrims heading towards the shrine.
Bus allocations will vary between the two phases. Nilakkal is scheduled to receive 180 buses during the Mandala period and 220 during Makaravilakku. Chengannur will have 60 buses in the first phase and 80 in the second, while Kottayam’s allocation will increase from 50 to 60 buses.
The corporation plans to adjust its operations according to passenger movement and demand at major transit points.
Additional Personnel and Safety Measures
KSRTC plans to assign 678 staff members to Pampa and Nilakkal during the Mandala season to ensure the smooth operation of its expanded bus services. The number is expected to rise to 778 for the Makaravilakku period.
The first phase will include 325 drivers and 225 conductors. For the second phase, the planned deployment will increase to 375 drivers and 275 conductors. Other personnel, including inspectors, mechanics, administrative staff and security employees, will also support the operations.
Safety preparedness is another part of the arrangements. Employees have received training in fire response, rescue operations and medical emergencies. Mechanical staff have also undergone specialised training, including sessions provided by vehicle manufacturers, to help maintain the fleet and support reliable services during the busy pilgrimage period.
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Budget Tourism Cell to Arrange Chartered Trips
KSRTC’s Budget Tourism Cell is expected to facilitate chartered journeys for Sabarimala devotees, with online booking arrangements planned for these services. Additional trips may be organised from selected depots and service centres in response to demand.
The plan also includes compiling information about temples near participating locations so that pilgrims can plan visits to multiple religious sites. Details of more than 70 temples that provide facilities such as resting areas and overnight accommodation are expected to be made available.
These initiatives are intended to give devotees more travel options and help them plan their pilgrimage in advance.
Fleet May Be Expanded if Passenger Numbers Rise
The planned deployment is not necessarily the final limit. If passenger demand rises beyond the anticipated levels, KSRTC may add more buses to its existing fleet to accommodate the additional travellers. Leased vehicles could also be brought into service to supplement the corporation’s fleet when required.
Effective implementation will depend on coordination between KSRTC officials, local authorities and departments involved in traffic and crowd management. The corporation’s preparations focus on maintaining connectivity, deploying trained staff and improving services at key transit points.
With the Mandala season beginning in November 2026 and Makaravilakku scheduled for January 2027, the phased transport plan is intended to support devotees throughout the Sabarimala pilgrimage period.
