The Kerala government has allocated ₹551.5011 crore to the Public Works Department (PWD) for various works related to preparations for the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage, ahead of the Mandala-Makaravilakku season.
The allocation was approved by Chief Minister V D Satheesan following a review of arrangements for the pilgrimage. The proposal was submitted by Public Works Minister P K Basheer after the review meeting and was subsequently approved by the Chief Minister.
The latest allocation is significantly higher than the amount earmarked for Sabarimala pilgrimage preparations in the previous two financial years. The government had allocated ₹377.80 crore during 2025-26, while the allocation stood at ₹326.97 crore in 2024-25.
The funds will be utilised for public works and infrastructure-related activities required for the pilgrimage season, with road development forming a major part of the preparations. The Public Works Department is expected to complete the sanctioned works before the start of the pilgrimage so that infrastructure and facilities are ready to handle the seasonal increase in movement.
The Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season is scheduled to begin in mid-November this year and will continue until the third week of January 2027. The annual pilgrimage draws a large number of devotees to Sabarimala, making road connectivity, traffic management and supporting infrastructure important components of the preparations.
During a recent review meeting, the state government stressed that preparatory works should not continue after the pilgrimage begins. The Chief Minister directed departments to ensure that facilities and safety arrangements are completed on time and that there are no shortcomings in providing essential services to devotees.
The preparations cover Sabarimala, Pamba, Nilakkal and other important locations associated with the pilgrimage. The government has also called for improved sanitation, adequate water and electricity arrangements, fire-safety measures and proper management of facilities used by pilgrims.
The Travancore Devaswom Board is also working with various government departments to strengthen arrangements for the pilgrimage season. A joint control room involving different departments is planned at Sannidhanam to improve coordination during the peak period.
Additional measures have also been planned for devotees. The government has decided to introduce a ₹2 lakh insurance cover, in association with LIC, for the families of devotees who lose their lives during the pilgrimage.
The higher allocation to the PWD is part of the state’s broader effort to strengthen infrastructure and ensure that the large-scale movement of pilgrims during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season can be managed safely and efficiently. The focus remains on completing road and other infrastructure works before the pilgrimage begins and improving facilities across the key pilgrimage centres.
