Kerala High Court Orders Urgent Overhaul of Sabarimala Roads on 'War Footing' Ahead of Pilgrimage Season

ERNAKULAM: With the annual Mandala–Makaravilakku festival fast approaching, the Kerala High Court has issued a series of sweeping directives to state authorities, ordering them to undertake immediate repair and maintenance of the entire road network leading to the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple "on a war footing." The court's intervention aims to guarantee the safety and security of lakhs of pilgrims expected to visit the shrine starting mid-November.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K. V. Jayakumar initiated suo motu proceedings based on a detailed report submitted by the Sabarimala Special Commissioner. The report highlighted numerous critical deficiencies, from dilapidated roads and inadequate lighting to the absence of crash barriers and poor mobile connectivity, posing significant risks to devotees.

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Background of the Matter

The court was acting on Report SM No. 25 of 2025, which detailed the findings of the Special Commissioner following inspections and meetings with various government departments. The report underscored the urgent need for coordinated action before the 2025–2026 festival season commences on November 16, 2025. The Commissioner warned that without timely completion of essential works, "the safety and security of the devotees cannot be guaranteed."

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Key Deficiencies Highlighted in the Report

The court meticulously reviewed the Special Commissioner's findings, which cataloged a host of pressing issues requiring immediate redressal across multiple jurisdictions. The judgment zeroed in on several critical areas:

• Jurisdictional Ambiguity: The Achankovil–Konni road was found to be in a "dilapidated condition," with responsibility for its maintenance unclear between the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) and the Public Works Department (PWD).
  
  
• Stalled Projects: A critical stretch on the Muvattupuzha–Punalur State Highway near Mylapra remains incomplete due to pending litigation, creating a hazardous sharp curve.
• Inter-Departmental Conflicts: The court noted that the Kerala Water Authority planned to commence road-cutting works on major pilgrim routes, which would disrupt movement, and directed that such work be deferred until after the festival.
  
  
• Safety Infrastructure Gaps: A severe lack of street lighting on the Erumeli–Plappally road, missing crash barriers on crucial stretches of NH-183A, and damaged safety signage were identified as major concerns.
  
  
• Emergency Preparedness: The report pointed out that key PWD and National Highway subdivisions lacked adequate emergency and rescue vehicles to respond to accidents.
• Poor Connectivity: The court took note of poor mobile network coverage and a lack of landmarks along forest routes, making it difficult for pilgrims to seek help in emergencies. It suggested the urgent installation of an SOS-switch based communication system.

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Court's Directives and Final Order

In its interim order, the High Court issued comprehensive directions to a host of government bodies, including the Director General of Police, Transport Commissioner, PWD, KSTP, and NHAI, demanding swift and coordinated action.

The bench mandated the following:

> “...coordinate effectively and take earnest, immediate action, on a war footing, to ensure that the entire road network used by Sabarimala pilgrims within the State of Kerala is properly maintained so as to guarantee safe and secure vehicular movement during the pilgrimage season.”

Key instructions include:

1. Strict Adherence to Standards: All roads and pedestrian facilities must be maintained in conformity with relevant safety standards.

2. Removal of Obstructions: All encroachments, unauthorized hoardings, and advertisements that distract drivers must be removed forthwith.

3. Comprehensive Safety Audit: The Road Safety Commissioner must conduct a security audit of the entire road network and submit a report.

4. Enforcement of Regulations: Strict enforcement of the State Road Safety Policy and Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017, was ordered.

5. Devaswom Board's Responsibility: The Travancore Devaswom Board was directed to urgently repair the Food Testing Laboratory at Pamba, which had reported electrical issues.

The court has directed all concerned departments to place an Action Taken Report before it within ten days, signaling its intent to closely monitor the implementation of its orders to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage for all devotees.