Thiruvananthapuram: In a major travel convenience for Sabarimala pilgrims, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will introduce direct air-conditioned bus services from Thiruvananthapuram and Nedumbassery international airports to Pamba during the 2026–27 Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
The new services are aimed at helping devotees arriving in Kerala by air reach Pamba without having to make separate travel arrangements. Transport Minister C. P. John announced the initiative during the flag-off ceremony of wet-lease buses at Thiruvananthapuram Central Depot on November 5.
Under the proposed schedule, the bus from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will depart for Pamba at 9.30 pm. The return service from Pamba to Thiruvananthapuram Airport is scheduled to leave at 7 pm. From Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery, the direct service to Pamba will depart at 8.30 pm. The return bus from Pamba to the airport will also leave at 7 pm.
Special arrangements will be made at both airports for pilgrims arriving on different flights. Facilities for resting and taking rest during the journey will be provided so that devotees do not have to wait without suitable accommodation before boarding the buses.
Passengers will be able to book tickets in advance through the official KSRTC booking website. Arrangements are also being made to make KSRTC bus tickets available through flight-booking websites. Links to the bus reservation facility will be incorporated into those platforms.
Groups travelling together will also have the option of booking chartered buses according to their requirements. Another feature of the new arrangement is the proposed display of real-time flight schedules from both airports at the Pamba bus station. This is expected to help coordinate passenger movements and improve travel arrangements for devotees arriving by air.
The decision followed discussions between KSRTC officials and representatives of the airport authorities. The new services are part of wider efforts to improve transport facilities for the 2026–27 Sabarimala pilgrimage season. With direct AC bus connectivity from both international airports, Ayyappa devotees travelling to Kerala by air will have an additional option to reach Pamba and return after completing their pilgrimage.
