Chengannur: The KSRTC depot in Chengannur has requested management to allocate 70 buses to operate services in the Chengannur-Pamba route during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season. Out of these, 55 buses are specifically for the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku season, while 15 additional buses are requested for the upcoming Makaravilakku day. 

The final approval for these buses must come from the Chief Office. Last year, the depot operated 65 buses, but this year 70 buses have been requested in anticipation of a good rush of pilgrims. 

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Despite this request, KSRTC continues to face a crisis due to the lack of new buses in recent years. To manage the rush, buses servicing other routes were withdrawn and reassigned for the special Sabarimala service. 

However, there are indications that no new buses will be sanctioned this year either, raising concerns about the ability to meet demand. Last season, the Chengannur-Pamba service generated revenue of Rs 7.93 crore.

KSRTC is grappling with a lack of parking space for its buses. The services operate from in front of the railway station, where there is space to park only two or three buses at a time. The municipal bus stand also has limited parking capacity, forcing many buses to be parked along the roadside. This practice poses safety risks, as parking buses on busy roads can lead to accidents.

During the Sabarimala review meeting, KSRTC officials requested that a new parking space be identified to accommodate the buses, but no decision has been made yet. 

In addition to addressing parking issues, the KSRTC administration is requested to provide accommodation for the personnel deployed for the special services. The depot’s old buildings, which are in poor condition, are set to be demolished soon. All necessary procedures to construct a new depot at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore have been completed.

Currently, all offices except the station master's office have been relocated to the top floor of the garage. Once the old buildings are demolished, the employees will also have to find new accommodation.