Thiruvananthapuram | The KSRTC on Thursday said it had stepped up preparations to ensure safe and smooth travel for Lord Ayyappa devotees during the 2026-27 Mandalakala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage at Sabarimala.

Considering the increased travel demand during the pilgrimage season, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has prepared a plan to deploy 390 buses during the Mandala pooja phase and 560 buses during the Makaravilakku phase.

It said additional buses would also be deployed as required based on the pilgrim rush.

Necessary staff for the efficient operation of services at Pampa and Nilakkal will be deployed in phases, it said in a statement.

A plan has been prepared to deploy 678 staff in the first phase and 778 in the second phase, it added.

KSRTC will operate additional services from its Kayamkulam and Mavelikkara units, taking into account the travel needs of pilgrims.

Special emphasis will be given to the smooth operation of Nilakkal-Pamba chain services, bus parking, passenger waiting facilities and traffic management, among other arrangements, it said.

KSRTC said it was coordinating all arrangements for the pilgrimage season to ensure safe, smooth and efficient travel for Ayyappa devotees.