Sabarimala pilgrim can now rent Royal Enfield bikes to Pampa

Sabarimala pilgrims can now take a bike ride on rented Royal Enfield Bullet from Chengannur railway station to high range location of Pampa. Cafe Rides, a bike-renting firm based in Kochi started the service in association with Trivandrum railway division, on Thursday.

A total of 10 Bullet models will be available in this pilgrim season. A bike kiosk has been set up in front of Chengannur railway station for the convenience of pilgrims.

The bullet ride costs Rs 1200 for every 200 kilometres in 24 hours. There is an additional charge of Rs 6 for every additional kilometre. It costs Rs 100 extra for every additional hours. The rider needs to submit digital copies of driving license and address for the bikes for rent. A helmet will be supplied along with the bike.

“We have received a good response within hours after the launch,” said Sanil Rajappan, owner of Cafe Rides.  He, however, said the online registration for a rental will have to wait. “We need to make a few
changes in our website to allow online registration from multiple locations,” he said. Cafe Riders plan to add scooters soon for rental. According to Sanil scooters were more popular as it cost Rs 400 for 24 hours.  He said he would try to get a parking lot at Pampa in the next season exclusively for parking the rented bikes.

Cafe Riders started in 2017 has been renting bikes for Sabarimala pilgrims from its Edappally showroom. According to Sanil, the film gets at least 50 rides per season. An officer of commercial wing of railway
the division said the bike rental facility would be expanded to other stations soon.