KOCHI: KSRTC informed the high court that all buses for the Sabarimala pilgrimage have fitness certificates. 383 buses will arrive in the first phase and there will be 628 employees. There will be 550 buses and 728 employees in the second phase. The details of this will be submitted to the court next week along with the report of the Pamba Special Officer of KSRTC.
When KSRTC's lawyer Deepu Thankan submitted that things including accommodation for so many employees were limited, the court orally asked aren't the employees of various departments serving the same way in the particular situation in Sabarimala. The court said that there should not be a situation where traders and other people exploit the pilgrims, at places including Sannidhanam, Pamba and Nilakkal.
A division bench of Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice S Muralikrishna had directed that not a single bus which is not fit should be used in Sabarimala.
Numberplate Detecting Cameras in Elavunkal
The court directed that surveillance should be intensified, including in the transport sector, in view of the safety concerns. The Motor Vehicle Department said that in addition to the CCTV cameras in Elavunkal, numberplate-detecting cameras have been installed. Signboards, reflectors, and boards with helpline numbers written on them have been installed. More officers have been deployed. In addition to recovery vehicles and ambulances, the service of technicians and availability of spare parts are also ensured. Precautions are also taken in high-risk areas.
383 buses in first phase
Driver- 300
Conductor- 200
Inspector-35
Mechanic- 65
Office Employees- 10
Security-Temporary Employees-18