Sat May 24 12:39:26 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

Due to repeated breakdowns of buses on the route to Gavi, a popular ecotourism destination in Kerala’s Sabarimala forests, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has implemented stricter protocols for its Budget Tourism Cell (BTC) vehicles. These include mandatory inspections, a designated pool of buses with trained driver-mechanics operating from Pathanamthitta, and clear guidelines for BTC staff in the event of breakdowns, emphasizing communication and passenger safety. Despite these measures, another breakdown occurred, highlighting the challenges of the route, including poor communication and wildlife.

## News Article:

**KSRTC Revamps Gavi Route Operations After Bus Breakdowns Leave Tourists Stranded**

PATHANAMTHITTA, May 24, 2025 – Following numerous complaints about unreliable bus service to Gavi, a popular ecotourism destination nestled deep within the Sabarimala forests, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has announced a revamped protocol for its Budget Tourism Cell (BTC) operations. The move comes after a particularly concerning incident on April 17th, when a BTC bus carrying 38 tourists suffered two breakdowns in a remote area, leaving passengers stranded for hours.

To mitigate future incidents, the KSRTC is mandating that all BTC buses destined for Gavi report to the Pathanamthitta depot. There, tourists will be transferred to a designated fleet of vehicles operated by a team of specially trained driver-mechanics. “This is to ensure that no BTC buses get stranded inside the forest,” explained a KSRTC official. “In such a situation arises, they can attend to basic technical issues immediately.”

In addition to the enhanced vehicle maintenance and designated team, a circular from the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) outlines strict disciplinary measures for BTC staff who fail to adhere to new guidelines. These include thorough pre-trip inspections and immediate reporting of any issues to the control room and district coordinator. The circular also emphasizes the importance of clear and polite communication with passengers in the event of a delay.

However, the implementation of these new measures hasn’t been without its challenges. Just today, another KSRTC bus broke down en route to Kumily via Gavi, leaving 35 passengers stranded for nearly two hours before being rescued by a passing BTC driver.

Beyond mechanical failures, the Gavi route poses unique challenges, including poor mobile connectivity and the presence of wild animals, particularly elephants. These factors amplify the safety concerns when breakdowns occur, leaving passengers vulnerable in a remote and unforgiving environment. The KSRTC’s new protocols aim to address these concerns, but the effectiveness of these changes will be closely monitored in the coming weeks.

Read More