Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has launched a regular service to Pampa from its Chengannur depot on Thursday.
Mr. P.C. Vishnunath, MLA, inaugurated the bus service by cracking a coconut in traditional style at a simple function held at the KSRTC depot premises at Chengannur in the forenoon.
Addressing the function, the MLA said the new bus service would be of great help to the Ayyappa devotees, especially during the monthly puja period.
Mr. Vishnunath said the Southern Railways has already identified Chengnnur as a gateway to Sabarimala and KSRTC should extend more transport facility to Sabarimala pilgrims from Chengannur railway station.
The new bus service will start from Chengannur at 6 a.m. and reach Pampa by 9 a.m. via Pathanamthitta, Vadasserikkara and Nilackal. The return trip to Chengannur from Pampa will be at 10.30 a.m.
Mr. T.C. Jacob, Assistant Transport Officer, presided the meeting. He said pilgrims could make advance seat reservation for the Pampa bus-trips.
According to the ATO, pilgrims from outside Kerala and from far-off places in the State may even book their seats in advance over telephone.
Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sanghom (ABASS) Vice-President, D. Vijayakumar, said KSRTC should make necessary arrangements to provide better basic facilities to the pilgrims at Chengannur depot during the forthcoming Mandalam-Makaravilakku festival that begins in November.
ABASS workers also accorded a rousing reception to the new bus service on its arrival at Chengannur railway station, later.
