KSRTC to Launch Dedicated Pilgrimage Tourism Services Across Kerala

KSRTC pilgrimage tourism services will offer single-window packages covering travel, food, and accommodation across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is set to roll out structured pilgrimage tourism services, offering devotees a single-window package covering travel, food, and accommodation. The initiative, part of KSRTC’s budget tourism division, aims to streamline spiritual travel across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Transport Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar confirmed that the corporation is moving beyond ad-hoc pilgrimage services to establish regular circuits. “We have already been providing special services on request for pilgrimages. This will now be developed into a systematic scheme,” he said.

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Focus on Kerala and Tamil Nadu Pilgrim Destinations

The new services will connect Kerala’s major temples, mosques, and churches, while also linking key centres in Tamil Nadu such as Palani, Nagoor, and Velankanni. These destinations attract large numbers of devotees from Kerala, making KSRTC’s planned expansion a natural progression.

Talks with the Tamil Nadu government have already been held, with both sides agreeing in principle. A formal agreement is expected to be signed shortly.

Affordable and Comfortable Travel Options

KSRTC plans to use well-maintained buses for the circuits, with air-conditioned services introduced based on demand. The corporation is also experimenting with battery-powered AC systems, already in use on the Thiruvananthapuram–Thrissur route.

This model, installed at a cost of just ₹6 lakh, has proved popular, with passengers paying only ₹30 more than non-AC fares. The minister noted that such innovations show how affordable comfort can be scaled across circuits.

Enhancing the Pilgrimage Experience

The project goes beyond transport, aiming to improve the overall pilgrim experience. KSRTC has held discussions with devaswoms to provide passengers on these packages with access to a special darshan queue at temples.

Planned arrangements also include family-friendly stays and food facilities, addressing common pain points for group travellers. KSRTC has previously run smaller-scale offerings like the Nalambala Darsanam, a one-day package covering four temples dedicated to Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna during monsoon.

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Timeline and Rollout

The project has entered its final stages of planning, with services expected to commence once agreements with partner states and religious institutions are completed. With KSRTC’s budget tourism division already reporting a 68% profit rise last financial year, the corporation sees spiritual tourism as a strong growth driver.