Kerala cabinet approves Rs 1,033.62 crore Sabarimala Master Plan

Sabarimala Master Plan, emphasising cultural preservation, ecological restoration and better facilities for pilgrims, has been approved by the Kerala cabinet. The plan targets developing Sannidhanam, Pampa and the Truck Route.

In Short

• Rs 778.17 cr Sannidhanam development to be executed in three phases
• Truck Route plan includes shelters, emergency lanes, buffer zones
• Pampa development to cost Rs 207.48 crore across two phases

The Kerala state government has approved the Sabarimala Master Plan, which outlines a comprehensive development blueprint for key areas like ‘Sannidhanam’, Pampa, and the Truck Route.

The Sannidhanam area will undergo development in three phases at an estimated total cost of Rs 778.17 crore.

The first phase will cost Rs 600.47 crore, while the second phase of development to be undertaken between 2028-20233 will cost Rs 100.02 crore. The third phase, planned between 2034-2039 will cost Rs 77.68 crore.

The layout plan, prepared respecting the spiritual and cultural significance of the Sannidhanam, divides the area into eight zones. It includes two open plazas to help with crowd management while preserving views of the Makaravilakku.

The Truck Route layout plan features shelters and rest areas to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for pilgrims using the forest route. An emergency vehicle lane and buffer zones on either side of the route are also planned to support ecological restoration.

The Truck Route development is projected at Rs 47.97 crore, with Rs 32.88 crore allocated for Phase 1 and Rs 15.50 crore for Phase 2. The total cost of the development of Pampa is estimated at Rs 207.48 crore, including Rs 184.75 crore for the first phase and Rs 22.73 crore for the second phase up to 2028-33.

Together, the Pampa and Truck Route upgrades total Rs 255.45 crore in estimate, according to the Sabarimala Master Plan.