KSRTC Slashes Passenger Count on Gavi Bus Trips Over Safety Fears

Kerala’s state‑run transport arm, KSRTC, announced a sudden change to its Gavi bus service earlier this week. After receiving several complaints about cramped conditions and near‑miss incidents on the winding mountain roads, the corporation decided to limit the number of passengers per trip.

Where once a single bus could cram in more than 50 commuters, the new rule caps the load at roughly 30 seats – a figure that matches the bus’s actual seating capacity. "We can’t keep risking the safety of our passengers just to fill seats," said KSRTC’s regional manager, who asked to remain unnamed. "The roads to Gavi are narrow, the terrain unpredictable, and we must respect those realities."

The move comes after a spate of near‑collisions and reports of passengers hanging onto handrails while the bus navigated steep bends. Tourists, especially those travelling in groups, have voiced frustration at longer waiting times and the need to book ahead, but officials say the trade‑off is necessary.

KSRTC has also rolled out a few complementary steps: drivers will receive a refresher on mountain‑road handling, additional signage will warn travelers about seat limits, and an online booking portal will now display real‑time seat availability for the Gavi route.

Local businesses in Gavi, which rely heavily on the influx of day‑trippers, welcomed the safety‑first approach but urged the transport board to consider extra shuttles during peak weekends. "We understand the need for safety, but we also need to keep the flow of visitors steady," said a shop owner near the main bus stop.

For now, commuters are asked to arrive early, keep an eye on the KSRTC app, and be prepared for a possible wait. The transport department assures that the revised policy will be reviewed after a month, with adjustments made based on passenger feedback and safety data.