CM Pinarayi Vijayan Inaugurates Global Ayyappa Sangamam, Unveils Sabarimala Plan

Pathanamthitta: The global Ayyappa gathering is being organized after years of deliberation and discussions, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Contrary to what some people are spreading, this Ayyappa gathering was not a decision made in haste on a single morning. Many people from countries like Malaysia and Singapore have been calling for making Sabarimala globally recognizable. They have requested interventions to address difficulties encountered when coming by airplane with two sets of luggage.

They have demanded that meetings be convened to resolve these issues. That is where the idea for the global Ayyappa gathering had its beginning, the Chief Minister said. He was speaking inaugurally at the global Ayyappa Sangamam organized at Pampa as part of the Thravancore Devaswom Board’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

A scientific master plan has been prepared which includes the Sabarimala rail line, ropeway, airports etc. The details of this master plan will be discussed in the Sangamam. Things are being pushed forward by keeping in view development possibilities up to 2050. The master plan aims for a comprehensive development of Sabarimala, Pampa, the traditional route, and Nilakkal.

Every year there is a large increase in the number of pilgrims arriving at Sabarimala,  in the year 2024-25 Makaravilakku season saw a record number of over 4 million devotees. Therefore, there is a need for convenient travel infrastructure, parking, clean water availability, sanitation facilities, rest centres, medical facilities etc. These must be provided in ways that do not compromise the beauty of nature nor cause environmental harm. Nearby areas including Erumeli should also be developed as part of this development project and pilgrimage‑tourism circuit must be developed as well.

The layout plan is prepared respecting the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Sabarimala shrine. Alongside, the layout plan ensures safety and aesthetic improvements. Guidelines and characteristics consistent with Kerala’s traditional architectural style are being put forward in the layout plan.

For the development of Sabarimala, for the first phase from 2022‑2027 a sum of Rs. 600.47 crores, for the second stage from 2028‑2033 Rs. 100.02 crores, and for the third stage from 2034‑2039 Rs. 77.68 crores — in total Rs. 778.17 crores — have been estimated as expenditure under the layout plan.

Pampa is envisioned as a transit camp for pilgrimage. Provisions are being made so that pilgrims following a special circulation route for going up to the shrine and returning will reduce possible congestion in future. Under the layout plan, for the development of Pampa, first stage (2022‑2027) Rs. 184.75 crores; second stage (2028‑2033) Rs. 22.73 crores — total Rs. 207.48 crores. For development of the track route (traditional path), first stage (2022‑2025) Rs. 32.88 crores; second stage (2024‑2026) Rs. 15.09 crores — total Rs. 47.97 crores are allocated.

Altogether, for the development of the shrine‑area, Pampa, and track route, the layout plan estimates a total cost of Rs. 1,033.62 crores. Within the master plan, projects amounting to Rs. 314.96 crores in the period 2025‑2030 are envisioned to enhance amenities for the pilgrims.

Actions include constructing a safety bridge along the banks of the Pamba river from Pampa Ganapathi temple up to Pampa hilltop; development of the core area in the Nilakkal transit hall; installation of a drinking water pipeline from Kunnaru to Sabarimala; construction of roads and ancillary bridges in the Nilakkal transit hall area; building a pilgrimage facility centre, Tantri Math, a Prasadam production‐distribution complex; implementing fire safety systems at Sabarimala shrine; and preparing detailed project reports for the pilgrims’ exit bridge at the shrine, and conservation and maintenance of water sources in the Nilakkal transit hall, the Chief Minister said in his inaugural speech.