The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), Tirupati region, has planned more services to Sabarimala with the lowest fares, in view of the huge rush of Ayyappa devotees ahead of the ‘Makara Vilakku’ season.
In the last four years, the corporation plied 152 (2013-14), 278 (2012-13), 263 (2011-12) and 195 (2010-11) buses during the season, while the figure is expected to touch 300 this year. Taking a serious view of the devotees preferring private bus operators, the corporation is offering the lowest rate of Rs. 42 per km for super luxury (35 seats), Rs. 41 for deluxe (39 seats), Rs. 45 for express (49 seats), Rs.38 for Palle Velugu (55 seats) and Sapthagiri Express (44 seats).
“We will provide the Guruswamy (chief devotee heading the group) a daily commission of Rs.300, free travel for two cooks, a luggage boy and two ‘Manikantas’ (devotees aged less than 10 years),” says the RTC General Manager G. Maheshwara.
The corporation has also roped in drivers trained for ghat services for the serpentine Sabarimala route.
Source: The Hindu
