The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation will operate 45 special services in Thiruvananthapuram to carry pilgrims and visitors attending the annual Beemapally Uroos and Vettucaud Church feast, according to Transport Minister C P John. The arrangements were announced after a review meeting held at the Guest House in Thycaud on Wednesday.
Of the total, 20 special services will run to Beemapally, an increase from the 14 services operated during last year’s Uroos. These buses will travel through East Fort, Enchakkal, Vallakkadavu and Kallumoodu, providing additional links to the pilgrimage centre during the celebrations.
The corporation will operate another 25 special services to Vettucaud, compared with 18 services last year. The routes will connect the destination through East Fort, Palayam and Valiyathura. Temporary station master offices will be established at both Beemapally and Vettucaud to coordinate bus operations during the events.
The transport department’s arrangements form part of a wider interdepartmental plan for the two gatherings. The minister directed Kerala State Electricity Board officials to replace damaged streetlights and asked Public Works Department officials to complete road repairs on an urgent basis. The measures are intended to address basic access and safety requirements around the two busy pilgrimage centres.
Officials will also arrange drinking-water supply, waste management and septic-tank cleaning at Beemapally and Vettucaud. Rest facilities are to be provided for tourists visiting both locations. Police aid posts will be established, while volunteers will offer round-the-clock assistance during the celebrations.
The review also covered road-user safety. John directed officials to conduct awareness campaigns through announcements at the places of worship, including appeals to participants in motorcycle rallies to wear helmets. A health department control room will function during the events, adding a dedicated response channel for medical or public-health needs.
Parking is another operational concern. The minister instructed authorities to explore additional parking spaces by seeking the consent of residents in nearby houses, alongside parking arrangements being made by the police. Representatives of Vettucaud Church also requested permission for an aircraft to shower flowers as part of the feast celebrations. John said the request would be considered.
Mayor V V Rajesh, councillor Kinsey, Vettucaud Church parish priest Fr Shaju William, representatives of the Beemapally administrative committee and officials from several departments attended the meeting. The temporary transport offices and coordinated civic services will operate during the festivities, with further arrangements to be managed by the participating departments.
