THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC has decided to go for a 30 % hike in the fare for special buses going to Sabarimala and those doing chain services in Pamba and Nilakkal during the Mandalam-Makara vilakku season.

KSRTC CMD Tomin J Thachankary informed at a press conference here on Wednesday that the fare included the festival fare and Ghat fare fixed by the government in accordance with Justice Ramachandran recommendations.

The KSRTC will run 300 special services during Mandalam season. Among them 50 services will be centred on Pamba and 250 will be towards Pamba from various depots.

These services have been tailor-made for Sabarimala pilgrims. There won’t be stops at all places except for the need of pilgrims. In Nilakkal-Pamba route 200 non-AC buses and 50 AC buses will ply.

The fare of non-AC buses will be Rs 40 and that of AC buses will be Rs 75. Festival-Ghat fares have been fixed only for these two special services.
This fare will come into effect only from November 16 when Mandalam season begins.

But there will be Pamba services in ordinary days from six depots. 30 per cent hike is not applicable to these buses. “Recently, 30 pc additional charge was levied on Pathanamthitta-Pamba buses. This was against rules and the DTO concerned has been transferred. Thodupuzha DTO was given the additional of that depot,” Thachankary informed.