Transport buses running services to Sabarimala charging additional fare; HC seeks explanation

KOCHI: The High Court, which filed a suo moto case on the complaint that KSRTC buses running services to Sabarimala are charging additional fares from passengers, sought an explanation from the state government and KSRTC. The matter is being considered by a division bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice PG Ajitkumar. While considering the petition, the High Court said that if the existing bus services from other places to Erumely, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Kumali and Ranni are extended to Pampa and an additional fare is charged as a special service, it cannot be justified. The petition was adjourned for hearing to next Thursday.

KSRTC has clarified that all the services currently running to Sabarimala are special services. It stated that a notification was issued allowing bus service through hilly roads to charge an additional 25 per cent fare. This fare is levied only on Laha - Pampa and Erumely - Pampa routes. It also explained that the ticket fare for special service is 30 per cent higher than the normal fare.