With the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage at Sabarimala set to begin in a few days, the Kerala government has sanctioned Rs 3.78 billion for the renovation of key roads used by Ayyappa devotees.

State Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal announced on Sunday that the funds have been allocated for the repair and improvement of 82 roads across 10 districts. The move is part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure safe and smooth travel for millions of pilgrims expected to visit the hill shrine this season.

According to the minister, Rs 689 million has been sanctioned for 14 roads in Thiruvananthapuram and Rs 542 million for 15 roads in Kollam. Another Rs 402 million has been allocated for six roads in Pathanamthitta district, where the Sabarimala temple is located.

The allocations for other districts include:

Rs 360 million for nine roads in Alappuzha

Rs 352 million for eight roads in Kottayam

Rs 351 million for five roads in Idukki

Rs 324 million for eight roads in Ernakulam

Rs 440 million for 11 roads in Thrissur

Rs 273 million for five roads in Palakkad

Rs 45 million for one road in Malappuram

The total sanctioned amount of Rs 3.78 billion will be utilised under the supervision of the Public Works Department to improve connectivity and road safety for devotees.

The government’s approval comes as large-scale preparations are underway in Sabarimala for the two-month-long pilgrimage season, which begins on 16 November. Extensive arrangements are being made to manage the expected influx of hundreds of thousands of devotees from across India and abroad.

The Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, one of the largest annual religious gatherings in South India, is a critical time for Kerala’s tourism and transport sectors. Improved road infrastructure is expected to enhance the travel experience for pilgrims and support local communities along the pilgrimage routes.