KSRTC hikes Gavi tourism package by Rs 500, sees sharp dip in passengers

PATHANAMTHITTA: With KSRTC increasing the tourism rate to Gavi by including trekking charges, the department's special tourism service to the serene spot is now in crisis. The increase of Rs 500 per head will come into effect from May 1. With this instant price hike, the booking towards the hilltop plummeted. Due to this, KSRTC has incurred a loss of Rs 2.13 lakh till yesterday. At a time, 36 passengers can travel in one bus. In normal cases, the service to Gavi will start at 5:30 am and two other buses will service every 30 minutes.

Earlier KSRTC charged Rs.1300 per person from Pathanamthitta depot to Gavi including travel, food and boating. Apart from travel, the facilities are provided by the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC). And now, an additional trekking charge has been included along with this.

Most of the people who book the package are above 45 years of age and are not interested in trekking. With this, the bookings have now fallen with most people interested in paying the higher rates.

Before the rate increase:

Total revenue per service......... Rs 46,800

KFDC receives............... Rs 29,000

KSRTC receives........ Rs 17,800