The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is implementing a passenger cap on its Priyadarshini bus service to Gavi,limiting capacity to 55. This decision follows a series of troubling incidents involving bus breakdowns and overcrowding, raising safety concerns for travelers.
Recent events have highlighted the precarious situation on the Gavi route . On July 11, 2026,a Priyadarshini bus departing from Pathanamthitta depot encountered mechanical issues approximately 30 kilometers from Gavi. The bus, originally designed to accommodate 35 passengers, was carrying around 70 at the time of breakdown. A mechanic from a nearby KSRTC tourism bus was able to repair vehicle, allowing service to continue after a delay.
This incident was not an isolated case. Just a day earlier,another Priyadarshini bus had to be rescued from the forest by a Forest Department vehicle after it became stranded. Such breakdowns have prompted scrutiny of the ageing fleet operating on this route, where many buses are over a decade old and often carry nearly double their intended capacity during peak times.
The Gavi service is crucial not only for tourists but also for local residents and various officials,including those from the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC),police,and KSEB. The heavy demand for seats has made it increasingly difficult for passengers to secure a spot,leading to overcrowding.
In response to the situation,the district administration has formally requested additional bus services from the KSRTC Managing Director . However,any expansion of services hinges on approval from the Forest Department,as the buses traverse protected forest areas.
The lack of mobile connectivity along significant stretches of the route exacerbates the risks associated with breakdowns. Passengers can find themselves stranded in remote areas with limited access to assistance. The ongoing monsoon season and deteriorating road conditions further compound the dangers faced by those traveling to Gavi .
As safety concerns mount, the KSRTC's decision to limit passenger numbers aims to enhance the safety of travelers navigating this challenging route .
