AI-Based Crowd Management System to Be Introduced at Sabarimala This Year
Pathanamthitta, June 20: An Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled queue management system will be introduced at the Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple during the upcoming pilgrimage season, scheduled to begin in mid-November, officials announced on Saturday.
The system will be implemented on a pilot basis this year before being expanded in phases for full-scale operations, according to Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) President K. Jayakumar.
Speaking to the media after a meeting with representatives of three AI technology firms from Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, Mr. Jayakumar said the initiative aims to improve crowd management and ensure the smooth movement of the lakhs of devotees who visit the hill shrine every year.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
“The AI technology can significantly enhance crowd management through predictive analysis. It will provide real-time data on the capacity of various zones and parking areas, enabling authorities to take preventive measures before congestion builds up. Currently, it often takes hours to resolve such situations,” he said.
Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau Director Manoj Abraham, who attended the meeting, said the AI system would integrate high-resolution cameras, infrared cameras, sensors, and drones to monitor pilgrim movement. In addition to predictive analysis, the system will offer real-time recommendations to police officers stationed along trekking routes and within the temple premises.
“With effective use of this technology, we expect to gradually reduce the scale of police deployment while improving operational efficiency,” Mr. Abraham said.
Pathanamthitta District Police Chief R. Anand noted that the AI system’s facial recognition capabilities would also assist authorities in locating missing pilgrims, including children and elderly devotees.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
Mr. Jayakumar said the Travancore Devaswom Board would invite Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the project after further discussions with the police department. An expert committee will evaluate the technological capabilities and financial aspects of the proposals before awarding the contract.
“We aim to complete all procedures by August 10, which will give the selected operators approximately 90 to 100 days to implement the system before the pilgrimage season begins,” he said.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
The AI-based crowd management initiative forms part of a new Vision Plan for Sabarimala that has received approval from the Kerala High Court.
In addition, authorities plan to introduce a new sanitation protocol at the pilgrimage site. Under the new guidelines, sanitation requirements will be incorporated into contracts signed with eateries and restaurants operating in and around Sabarimala.
Mr. Jayakumar also announced a public awareness campaign promoting best practices for a safer and more comfortable pilgrimage experience. The campaign will be conducted in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, as nearly 75 percent of Sabarimala pilgrims come from these neighbouring states.
As part of the outreach programme, a news bulletin titled Sabarimala Sandesh will be launched initially in English and later in regional languages. Awareness campaigns will also be carried out through social media platforms, including YouTube.