Keralam govt. looks to emulate Tirupati model to manage pilgrim rush at Sabarimala

The Kerala government is considering adopting the Tirupati model to manage the influx of pilgrims at Sabarimala during the annual pilgrimage season starting in November. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, along with other officials, reviewed preparations for the pilgrimage at Pampa on October 17, 2026. The government aims to introduce facilities similar to those in Tirupati to regulate the flow of pilgrims and alleviate congestion at the hill temple.

Steps will be taken post the current season to enhance crowd management and facilities at the temple. A German-style shed with a capacity for 6,000 people will be constructed at Nilackal to manage pilgrim flow. AI-driven parking management systems will be installed at 21 locations, with extra parking space arranged if necessary.

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will provide 461 buses for pilgrims, and temple connectivity will be improved by linking Sabarimala with other temples. The Motor Vehicles department will increase road safety inspections.

A total of 22 medical emergency units will be operational, and hospitals will be equipped with sufficient resources for quality medical care. The Public Works Department is renovating Chalakkayam road at an estimated cost of ₹15 crore. The Chief Minister assured that Pilgrims would not be allowed to discard their clothes in the Pampa river, addressing the growing waste problem there. The government will ensure waste disposal within a specified timeframe.

The review meeting gathered various departments to evaluate preparations and tackle operational challenges before the pilgrimage season. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) assured the government that there would be no shortage of Appam and Aravana during this season. Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan and TDB president K. Jayakumar attended the meeting. Earlier, Satheesan inspected the arrangements at the Nilackal guest house, KSRTC bus stand, and police barracks.