The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has intensified its efforts to regulate vehicles heading to Sabarimala, focusing on those with structural modifications, decorative hangings, and loud music. This crackdown aims to ensure the safety of pilgrims by addressing risks associated with such alterations. Officials have launched awareness campaigns to educate devotees on the potential dangers posed by these practices, including the installation of temple replicas on vehicles.
The journey to Sabarimala involves traversing forested areas with challenging terrain, featuring sharp curves and steep slopes. Vehicles with structural changes often experience reduced stability and impaired manoeuvrability, increasing the likelihood of accidents in such hazardous conditions. The MVD has emphasized that these modifications not only compromise the safety of passengers but also pose significant risks to other road users.
Under motor vehicle laws, structural modifications and decorations that distract oncoming vehicles are considered punishable offences. Loud music, often played in Sabarimala-bound vehicles, has also been flagged as a major concern, as it can hinder drivers’ focus and exacerbate risks on the already treacherous route. By enforcing these measures, the MVD aims to promote a safer pilgrimage experience for all devotees.
The Kerala MVD’s stringent measures are part of a broader commitment to safeguarding the lives of pilgrims and ensuring compliance with road safety regulations. By discouraging dangerous modifications and emphasizing responsible vehicle use, authorities aim to foster a safer and more organized pilgrimage. Devotees are encouraged to cooperate with these initiatives, understanding that such precautions are vital for their well-being and the protection of others traveling along the challenging routes to Sabarimala.
