Sabarimala Master Plan: Major Development Projects Planned; Devaswom Minister to Hold Development Authority Meeting on September 11
Thiruvananthapuram: Several major infrastructure and pilgrim-facility projects have been planned at Sabarimala under the 2025–30 phase of the Sabarimala Master Plan, as the Kerala government moves ahead with the formation of a proposed Sabarimala Development Authority.
The first meeting to discuss the formation of the Development Authority will be held on September 11 in the chamber of Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan. Officials from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and various government departments associated with Sabarimala are expected to participate.
The proposed authority is intended to oversee development and construction activities at Sabarimala and coordinate the work of different government departments involved in the pilgrimage.
Major Projects Under the 2025–30 Master Plan
The 2025–30 Master Plan includes several major projects covering Sabarimala Sannidhanam, Pamba and Nilakkal.
A ₹31.90-crore safety bridge is planned across the Pamba River, connecting the Pamba Ganapathi Temple area with Pamba Hilltop.
The core area of the Nilakkal pilgrim centre will be developed at an estimated cost of ₹28.40 crore, for which administrative sanction has been granted.
A ₹9.94-crore drinking water pipeline will be laid from Kunnaru to Sabarimala Sannidhanam, with administrative sanction already granted.
Roads and associated bridges at the Nilakkal pilgrim centre are proposed at an estimated cost of ₹145 crore.
At Sannidhanam, a pilgrim facilitation centre, Tantri Mathom and prasadam production and distribution complex will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹96 crore.
The Master Plan also includes the installation of firefighting and fire-safety systems at Sannidhanam, estimated to cost ₹3.72 crore.
The broader Master Plan envisages the comprehensive development of Sabarimala, Pamba, the traditional pilgrimage routes and Nilakkal, with a long-term development vision extending up to 2050.
The proposed Development Authority is expected to play a major role in implementing these projects and coordinating pilgrimage-related infrastructure and services.
The concept of a dedicated Sabarimala Development Authority was proposed by the previous government to oversee development activities and coordinate various departments. The proposed structure envisages the Chief Minister as chairperson, the Devaswom Minister as vice-chairperson, and senior officials from departments connected with Sabarimala as members.
Minister Clarifies Government's Position on TDB Powers
Meanwhile, Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan has said that the government will not interfere with the rights and powers of the Travancore Devaswom Board at Sabarimala.
However, he said the government would intervene if arrangements failed to ensure smooth darshan for devotees.
Muraleedharan said the immediate priority was to ensure that the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage is conducted smoothly. He said no decision had currently been taken on legislation concerning Sabarimala, while also stating that legislation would eventually be introduced.
The minister noted that when devotees face difficulties in obtaining darshan, criticism is directed at the government rather than the Devaswom Board. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is scheduled to hold a detailed meeting at Pamba to review preparations for the pilgrimage.
The statements come amid reported differences between the Devaswom Minister and the TDB on several issues. The minister's clarification indicates that, while the government is seeking a stronger coordinating role in Sabarimala's development and pilgrimage arrangements, it does not intend to interfere with the Board's existing powers.