Thiruvananthapuram: KSRTC will operate around 100 additional buses across the state in connection with Karkidaka vavu bali rituals on Wednesday, said transport minister C P John.Special services to 13 major bali tharpanam centres will begin from 2am on Wednesday to cater to the expected surge in passengers. Additional buses have also been arranged from various KSRTC units.The preparations were initiated in advance following decisions taken at meetings held in the presence of the transport minister and devaswom minister K Muraleedharan. KSRTC has deployed more vehicles this year compared with the previous year. While 62 additional buses were arranged for vavu bali services last year, around 100 buses will be deployed this year, minister John said.Special teams and officers have been assigned to each major bali tharpanam centre to monitor passenger movement and ensure that buses are made available as required. KSRTC will operate additional services to major centres, including Thiruvallam, Varkala, Sanghumukham, Veli, Aruvikkara, Aruvippuram, Kadinamkulam, Chettamangalam Sree Krishna Swamy Temple and Thirumullavaram in Kollam.The transport corporation has also put in place arrangements to increase the number of services depending on the passenger rush. Buses will be redeployed to locations witnessing higher demand, ensuring that additional services can be introduced at short notice.Major bali tharpanam centres across the state are expected to witness heavy crowds in the early hours of Wednesday.KSRTC officials have been directed to closely monitor the situation at the designated centres and coordinate the deployment of buses to prevent inconvenience to devotees travelling for the rituals.
