Thiruvananthapuram – The ambitious Sabarimala Ropeway project has taken a major leap forward with the Kerala State Wildlife Board granting its much-awaited approval. The clearance was given in an online meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, marking a crucial milestone for the project aimed at easing access to one of South India’s most revered pilgrimage sites.
With the state-level nod secured, the proposal will now be submitted to the Central Government for final clearance from the National Wildlife Board.
The ropeway is planned to run 2.7 kilometers from Pampa Hilltop to Sannidhanam, closely following the traditional Saranapatha pilgrim route. It is designed not only to transport essential supplies but also to support emergency services, including the movement of car ambulances in critical situations.
To facilitate construction, the government had earlier allocated 4.5336 hectares of revenue land in exchange for the required forest area. The State Forest Department had already given its clearance, paving the way for the Wildlife Board’s approval.
Once operational, the ropeway is expected to carry 40,000 to 60,000 tonnes of goods annually, significantly improving logistics and emergency response during the high-footfall pilgrimage seasons.
The estimated cost of the project stands at ₹180 crore, reflecting the scale and significance of this transformative infrastructure initiative for Sabarimala.
