Good news for Sabarimala pilgrims; Officials to open car parking facility in Chakkupallam, Hilltop

KOCHI: The High Court allowed cars to pass from Nilakkal to Sabarimala during the Mandal Makarvilakku season. The court gave a yes nod to 24-hour parking at Chakkupallam 2 and Hilltop with a fixed fee from devotees so as to avoid traffic jams.

A Devaswom bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice S. Murali Krishna clarified that the permission is temporary and the decision can be retracted in case of traffic jams. In such a state, the police will be allowed all authority to reimpose restrictions. The court also allowed 20 KSRTC buses to be parked at the beginning of the hilltop.

Although KSRTC's lawyer opposed the granting of permission to small vehicles, the court accepted the request of the Devaswom Board. KSRTC argued the court decision would affect their chain service business.