Kerala Announces High‑Tech Security Measures for Sabari Mala Season

In a bid to make the Sabari Mala – Makaravilakku pilgrimage safe and hassle‑free until 20 January 2027, Kerala’s Home Minister Ramesh Chennaithala unveiled a comprehensive security blueprint at the inauguration of a new police barracks in Nilakkal.

The pilgrimage corridor has been divided into three strategic zones – Sannidhanam, Pamba and Nilakkal – with ADGP P. Vijayan appointed as the nodal authority.

A modern barracks complex with a capacity for more than 700 officers is now ready, and mess facilities have been expanded to accommodate roughly 1,750 police staff stationed in Nilakkal.

The government has raised the per‑officer equipment allowance from Rs 300 to Rs 600 and increased the daily mess subsidy to Rs 90, allocating Rs 3.60 crore for these enhancements.

Traffic congestion will be tackled through an AI‑powered ‘Smart Parking’ system in Nilakkal, funded with Rs 3 crore. Additionally, a wrist‑band tagging programme worth Rs 13 lakh will be launched to quickly identify and locate children travelling with pilgrims, particularly those from other states.

Temporary police stations will be operational in Sannidhanam, Nilakkal and Vadaserikkara, with a permanent station being seriously considered for Vadaserikkara. The security plan also calls for heightened police patrols, anti‑sabotage inspections, robust crowd‑control barricades, extensive CCTV monitoring and intensified intelligence gathering along main routes and key rest‑stop points.

The minister assured that the Kerala Devaswom Board, the state administration and law enforcement agencies will collaborate closely to ensure a safe, serene and spiritually uplifting pilgrimage for all devotees.