Sabarimala Master Plan Stalled; Devaswom Board Plans Alternative Arrangements, Nilakkal to Play Key Role in Pilgrim Management
Thiruvananthapuram: With key infrastructure projects under the Sabarimala Master Plan coming to a standstill due to a shortage of funds, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has decided to put in place temporary arrangements at Sabarimala and Nilakkal to ensure smooth facilities for devotees during the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
The Board will hold a special meeting today to review and finalize the preparatory measures ahead of the pilgrimage season, which is scheduled to begin on November 16.
Construction activities under the Sabarimala Master Plan have slowed significantly after funding dried up. Between 2016 and 2026, the Kerala government sanctioned only ₹73 crore for the project, while the estimated total cost of the Master Plan is ₹1,033.62 crore.
Officials estimate that only the biogas plant at Sannidhanam is likely to be completed before the start of the pilgrimage season. However, even that project has faced delays due to pending payments for preliminary construction work.
Crowd Management and Pilgrim Facilities
The special Board meeting will also discuss measures to regulate the movement of pilgrims arriving at Nilakkal, where large numbers of devotees gather before proceeding to Pampa and Sannidhanam
Under the proposed plan, pilgrims will be allowed to proceed from Nilakkal to Pampa only after crowd levels at Sannidhanam decrease, helping to prevent congestion at the hill shrine.
The Board also plans to expand resting areas and toilet facilities at Nilakkal, ensure the availability of food and drinking water, and organize cultural programmes in the evenings to improve the waiting experience for devotees.
In addition, steps will be taken to Prevent pilgrims from staying for extended periods at Sannidhanam so that crowd movement remains smooth throughout the pilgrimage season.