Three parking grounds to be set up in Kumily for Sabarimala pilgrims

With another Sabarimala pilgrimage season around the corner, the Kumily grama panchayat—one of the major stopovers for Sabarimala pilgrims—is preparing to set up three designated parking grounds in the town.

Kumily, located in Idukki district along the Keralam–Tamil Nadu border, serves as a crucial interstate transit hub for the pilgrimage to the hill shrine. According to officials, lakhs of pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Puducherry, and Telangana use the Kumily route each year. In previous seasons, a severe shortage of designated parking space has led to hours-long traffic gridlocks across the town.

Kumily panchayat president M.M. Varghese stated that the local body has already identified three sites to ensure streamlined vehicle management.

“The panchayat will strictly prohibit roadside parking,” Mr. Varghese said.

“To protect the interests of local traders, vehicles will be permitted to drop pilgrims off in front of commercial establishments, but drivers must immediately move their vehicles to the designated parking areas. Shop owners will not be permitted to block parking slots or obstruct traffic in front of their establishments.”

The president added that authorities are exploring a bypass route via Ambadi Junction to connect Thekkady Junction directly to the Kumily KSRTC Bus Stand.

“A final decision will be made following an on-site joint inspection by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) and the police,” said Mr. Varghese.

To cater to out-of-state pilgrims, three viri (rest and shelter) centres will be established in the town: at the Kumily public ground, the bus stand premises, and the temple grounds near Kumily Holiday Home.

Officials also confirmed that drinking water distribution points will be set up at five key locations across town. To alleviate congestion, select bus stops will be temporarily relocated for the duration of the pilgrimage season. The panchayat emphasised that unauthorized vendors will not be permitted to encroach on roadways or interfere with traffic flow, with dedicated police patrols deployed to enforce order. Additionally, no temporary permits will be issued for new commercial stalls during the season.

Repair work on public toilets operated by the panchayat is scheduled for completion within a week.

“Traffic regulations and pilgrim amenities will be strictly enforced throughout the town this season,” Mr. Varghese said.