Special APSRTC Bus Flagged Off for Sabarimala Yatra

The first special bus for the Sabarimala Yatra was flagged off from the Visakhapatnam APSRTC depot on Saturday, marking the commencement of special pilgrimage services for devotees this season. Visakhapatnam District Public Transport Officer B. Appala Naidu inaugurated the service amid devotees and officials.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Naidu said that, as in previous years, APSRTC is facilitating the pilgrimage by arranging special buses catering to the needs of devotees. He informed that six buses have already been booked by Ayyappa devotees, with further bookings under discussion. The routes and fares will be finalized based on pilgrim preferences.

He further stated that special buses also run on a weekly basis to major cities such as Hyderabad and Vijayawada, depending on passenger demand. Highlighting other pilgrimage services, Mr. Naidu noted the good response to the Pancharama Kshetra Darshan Yatras conducted during the Karthika month and mentioned that similar bus services are being operated for the Pancha Vaishnava Kshetra Darshan during the ongoing Dhanurmasam.

Regarding passenger safety, the officer emphasized that APSRTC undertakes regular inspections of long-distance AC buses and provides drivers with periodic training, including instructions on managing emergencies and sudden accidents, to ensure a safe journey for all travelers.

This announcement comes as part of APSRTC’s continued commitment to supporting religious tourism and ensuring the convenience and safety of pilgrims from Visakhapatnam and surrounding areas.