Pamba Toilets May Become Free for Pilgrims; TDB Plans Basic Facilities Across Pilgrim Transit Centres
Pamba: Toilet facilities at Pamba may soon be made completely free for Sabarimala pilgrims, with the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) planning to remove charges for the facilities, subject to approval from the Kerala High Court.
The proposed move is aimed at improving the convenience of pilgrims during the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, particularly at Pamba, one of the major transit points on the Sabarimala pilgrimage route.
The proposal comes in the context of the Kerala High Court's repeated directions to the TDB to ensure adequate and properly maintained basic facilities for Sabarimala pilgrims at major transit points.
In November 2024, the Kerala High Court directed the TDB to ensure adequate toilet facilities for pilgrims at Nilakkal, Pamba, Sannidhanam and along the trekking route from Pamba to Sannidhanam. The Court also emphasised the need for regular inspection and proper maintenance of these facilities throughout the pilgrimage season.
The issue of pilgrim amenities was again considered by the High Court in January 2025, particularly in relation to Erumeli, another major transit centre for Sabarimala pilgrims. The Court took note of concerns regarding facilities provided to pilgrims, including the collection of charges for amenities such as toilets and parking, and directed attention to the responsibility of the TDB in ensuring adequate facilities at important pilgrimage centres.
Pamba is one of the most important points on the Sabarimala pilgrimage route, where devotees arrive before beginning the trek to Sannidhanam. Ensuring accessible and well-maintained toilet facilities is therefore considered an important part of pilgrim management, particularly during periods of heavy footfall.
If approved by the High Court, the proposed decision to make toilet facilities at Pamba completely free would provide pilgrims with access to the basic amenity without an additional user charge.
The final decision on implementing the proposal will depend on the Kerala High Court's approval. The move comes as preparations intensify for the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season, when large numbers of devotees are expected to pass through Pamba on their way to Sannidhanam.