Sat Nov 22 13:29:57 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

The article reports that the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) in Visakhapatnam flagged off its first special bus service to Sabarimala for the year. The District Public Transport Officer (DPTO) noted strong initial bookings and ongoing interest from Ayyappa devotees. He also highlighted other special bus services being offered for religious destinations, along with safety measures and training initiatives for drivers on long-distance routes.

News Article:

APSRTC Flags Off Special Sabarimala Bus Service from Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh – November 22, 2025 – The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) commenced its special bus service from Visakhapatnam to Sabarimala today. The first bus was flagged off by District Public Transport Officer (DPTO) B. Appala Naidu at the Visakhapatnam Depot.

According to Mr. Appala Naidu, Ayyappa devotees who have undertaken ‘deeksha’ have already reserved six buses for the journey. He also indicated that additional inquiries were being received. Ticket fares for the special service will be determined based on the routes selected by passengers.

In addition to the Sabarimala service, APSRTC is also operating special buses to popular destinations like Hyderabad and Vijayawada, responding to passenger demand. The ‘Kshetra Darshini’ package for devotees visiting ‘Pancharama Kshetras’ during ‘Kartika Masam’ has seen a positive response, and special buses are running to Lord Vishnu temples during the current ‘Dhanur Masam’.

The DPTO emphasized passenger safety on long-distance AC buses, noting that frequent inspections are being conducted. Refresher training is also being provided to RTC drivers, focusing on passenger care during emergency situations.

Deputy Chief Mechanical Engineer Gangadhar, Works Manager Aruna Kumari, Depot Manager Mani Madhuri, and Assistant Engineer Ramakrishna were also present at the flag-off event.

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