Sabarimala Pilgrims to Get Relief as Keralam Revises Parking Fees
Thiruvananthapuram: Sabarimala devotees are expected to benefit from a revision of minimum parking fees in panchayat areas, following concerns over the high and inconsistent charges faced by pilgrims, particularly at Erumeli.
The Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) has revised the minimum parking fees in panchayat areas after the Kerala High Court observed that the rates fixed under the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Landing Places, Halting Places, Cart Stands and Other Vehicle Stands) Rules, 1995, were impractical under present conditions. The government has decided to introduce uniform minimum parking rates across the State.
The High Court made the observation in July while hearing a case concerning the collection of high parking fees from Sabarimala devotees at Erumeli. The revision is expected to provide greater clarity for pilgrims and prevent unreasonable variation in parking charges during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
Under the revised rates, parking lots without additional facilities will charge a minimum of ₹10 for two-wheelers, ₹20 for cars, ₹40 for mini buses and ₹60 for buses for 24 hours.
For parking lots providing additional facilities, the minimum charges will be ₹15 for two-wheelers, ₹40 for cars, ₹80 for mini buses and ₹120 for buses for 24 hours.
The government order issued on August 19, 2026, states that the basic requirements for a parking facility include adequate space, drinking water and toilet facilities.
Parking facilities offering additional amenities may include CCTV surveillance to protect vehicles from theft or damage, gated entry with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) or RFID-based systems, fast-charging points for electric vehicles and electronic display boards showing available parking spaces.
Other proposed facilities include app-based parking reservations, automated parking systems using robotic lifts and hydraulic stackers, dedicated spaces for persons with disabilities and covered parking areas.
The government is also considering revising the minimum parking fees applicable to municipalities and corporations.
For Sabarimala pilgrims, particularly those travelling by private vehicles and buses, the revised system is expected to bring more predictable parking charges and improve basic facilities at major pilgrimage centres such as Erumeli. The move also aims to ensure that parking facilities provide essential amenities while maintaining reasonable charges for devotees.