Parallel Power Line for Sabarimala Deemed Costly, Temporary Solutions Explored
The Travancore Devaswom Board is exploring the feasibility of including a proposed parallel electricity line to Sabarimala in its master plan to ensure a stable power supply. The project, proposed by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), is estimated to cost around ₹100 crore. However, neither the Devaswom Board nor KSEB can fully bear this expense at present. As an interim measure, the Board aims to install generators at key locations before the upcoming pilgrimage season.
Currently, power is supplied to the Pamba-Chelikkuzhi section using generators. The Devaswom Board plans to extend generator facilities to the route leading to Sannidhanam and Nilakkal, with an estimated cost of ₹6 crore. At present, electricity generated at Moozhiyar under the Sabarigiri project is transmitted to Pamba and Sannidhanam through a single line. Any disruption in this line causes power outages, prompting KSEB to propose an additional parallel line to ensure uninterrupted supply.
The electricity produced at Moozhiyar is distributed to Pamba and Sannidhanam via the Pamba-Triveni substation. A 66 kV line from Kochupamba near Gavi to the Triveni substation supports this distribution. A proposal to upgrade this line to 110 kV, included in a central scheme, has been submitted. If central assistance is secured, the Devaswom Board will face minimal additional financial burden for this upgrade.