Strict Checks on Modified Vehicles on Erumeli–Sabarimala Route as Pilgrimage Season Nears
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The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) is planning strict checks at Kerala’s border entry points to prevent unauthorisedly modified vehicles carrying Sabarimala pilgrims from entering the State through the Erumeli route. The department will alert transport commissioners of neighbouring States that such vehicles will be stopped at checkposts and sent back.
The move comes amid concerns over frequent accidents involving modified vehicles along the steep and winding Erumeli–Elavunkal stretch. Vehicles fitted with heavy bodies on single-tyre chassis are particularly unsafe on the route, an MVD official said.
The Erumeli–Kanamala corridor has witnessed several accidents over the years. The stretch includes steep gradients and sharp curves, particularly at Attivalavu, where multiple fatal accidents have occurred. Karinkallummoozhy junction is another accident-prone location, with heavy vehicles often struggling to negotiate the steep slopes.
The MVD is also considering regulating vehicle movement through the Kanamala and Kannimala stretches in convoys escorted by department vehicles to prevent overtaking and overspeeding. In coordination with the Travancore Devaswom Board, road safety instructions in regional languages will also be included in vehicle passes issued along with virtual queue bookings.
Meanwhile, a joint inspection of the Sabarimala pilgrimage route was conducted by the Pathanamthitta district administration and various departments on Tuesday. Led by District Collector A. Nizamuddeen, the inspection covered the stretch from Mannarakulanji junction to Pampa.
The Collector said the government had sanctioned ₹4 crore for road safety improvements following a preliminary inspection two months ago. Work has been progressing for the past two weeks, and the latest inspection assessed its progress and identified areas requiring urgent attention.
District Police Chief R. Anand said round-the-clock highway patrols had been deployed along the Mannarakulanji–Elavunkal stretch. Additional police personnel will be stationed at Ranni, Vadasserikkara, Laha, Nilakkal, Konni, Koodal and Pandalam to manage traffic and ensure pilgrim safety.
Inspections of road safety arrangements will also be intensified under the supervision of local police officers, in coordination with the RTO. Special measures will be implemented to prevent accidents and traffic congestion throughout the pilgrimage season.