Thiruvananthapuram/Kochi: Transport authorities across Kerala have finalised extensive public transit arrangements for 'Karkidaka Vavu Bali', the annual ritual where citizens perform rites in honor of their deceased ancestors during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam.

Both the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) confirmed special night and early-morning schedules starting August 11 and August 12 to handle the heavy rush to key balitharpanam sites.

KSRTC deploys 100 special buses from 2 am

KSRTC will roll out special bus services starting at 2 am on August 12, serving 13 primary balitharpanam hubs across the state. Additional services will run dynamically from various units based on real-time passenger flow.

The transit preparations were established following high-level coordination meetings chaired by Transport Minister C P John and Devaswoms Minister K Muraleedharan. To manage the expected volume, KSRTC has scaled up its fleet deployment hugely compared to the previous year, arranging 100 special buses for 2026, up from 62 in 2025.

Special squad officers and supervisory staff have been assigned in advance at each center to monitor crowd density and dispatch extra buses as needed.

Primary venue coverage and connecting operations include

Thiruvallam, Shankhumugham, Veli, Aruvikkara, Aruvippuram and Kadinamkulam: Continuous shuttle services linking Thampanoor Central, East Fort, Eanchakkal, Nedumangad, Neyyattinkara and Attingal directly to coastal and riverbank sites.

Varkala Papanasam Beach: High-frequency shuttles connecting Varkala Railway Station and Bus Stand to Papanasam Beach.

Thirumullavaram (Kollam): Direct links connecting Kollam KSRTC Bus Station and Kollam Junction Railway Station to the temple.

Aluva Manappuram (Ernakulam): Feeder routes connecting Aluva KSRTC Depot and the Metro Station to the Periyar riverbank.

Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple (Malappuram): Connection services coordinating with train arrivals at Tirur and Kuttippuram.

Thirunelli Temple (Wayanad): Specialised hill-highway services operating from Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery and Kalpetta.

Kochi Metro extends night and early-morning services

To facilitate seamless travel for pilgrims heading toward the Aluva Manappuram site, Kochi Metro will operate extended services between Thripunithura and Aluva.

Night services (August 11): Trains will depart from Thripunithura toward Aluva at 11.15 pm and 11:30 pm.

Early-morning services (August 12): Trains will operate from Aluva toward Thripunithura at 5 am and 5.30 am.