KSRTC to increase services to Ponmudi amid heavy tourist rush and overcrowding in bus

Ponmudi (Thiruvananthapuram): The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will increase services to Ponmudi following heavy congestion in ordinary buses after the launch of the ‘Priyadarshini Women Free Travel Scheme’.

Officials said KSRTC is planning additional services, including fast buses from Thampanoor and Varkala to Ponmudi. The move comes amid rising tourist demand and overcrowding in ordinary buses on existing routes.

The Transport Department also said more special services will be operated from the Vithura KSRTC Bus Depot on holidays. Shuttle trips to Ponmudi began on Sunday.

The decision was taken after a Mathrubhumi report highlighted the travel difficulties on the route.

The government has also allocated ₹4 crore in this year’s budget for development activities in Ponmudi. Separately, the Forest Department has said it will investigate complaints regarding alleged misbehaviour by its staff towards tourists and take necessary action.

Holiday special services from Vithura

As part of the new arrangements, passengers travelling to Ponmudi on holidays have been advised to reach Vithura depot instead of waiting for direct buses from different parts of the district. Six additional services have been arranged alongside the existing 10 services.

Timings:

9:30 am – Nedumangadu–Vithura–Ponmudi

11:50 am – Ponmudi–Vithura

1:30 pm – Vithura–Ponmudi

3:15 pm – Ponmudi–Vithura

4:40 pm – Vithura–Ponmudi

6:00 pm – Ponmudi–Vithura

Keralam Priyadarshini Scheme

The Kerala government’s Keralam Priyadarshini Scheme offers free bus travel for women and transgender persons across the state. The scheme was approved by the state Cabinet on June 10, 2026, and was formally inaugurated by the Chief Minister on June 15, 2026.

Popularly known as the Kerala Free Bus Travel Scheme, it allows eligible beneficiaries to travel free of cost on designated ordinary services operated by KSRTC.