Pathanamthitta: As preparations ramp up for this year’s Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage, significant changes have been introduced regarding vehicle parking at Nilakkal, the primary parking hub. An additional parking space for 2,000 vehicles is being created by removing 690 rubber trees, with another 260 trees set to be cut down soon. For larger vehicles, such as buses with 26 seats or more, a parking fee of Rs 100 will be levied. However, vehicles without a FASTag will incur a 25% surcharge, raising the total to Rs 125.
Parking rates for mini-buses (15 to 25 seats) have been set at Rs 75, while vehicles with 5 to 14 seats will be charged Rs 50. Smaller vehicles such as cars (with up to four seats) will be charged Rs 30, and auto-rickshaws will have a parking fee of Rs 15. These charges apply for a 24-hour period. To accommodate digital payments, the contractor managing the parking will install FASTag gates at the location.
Currently, the parking facility at Nilakkal can hold up to 8,000 vehicles, and further expansions are planned with 200 more trees to be removed this month. Certain vehicles, including those belonging to the Kerala government, other state governments, the Devaswom Board, and public sector organizations like the Kerala State Transport Corporation, will be exempt from parking fees. The contractor is responsible for ensuring the security of the parked vehicles, and the Devaswom Board has set a minimum tender of Rs 2.98 crore for the contract to collect parking fees.
These updates aim to streamline parking operations while also encouraging the use of FASTag for smoother payments.
