Thiruvananthapuram, 10 July (H.S.):The Travancore Devaswom Board has launched an ambitious digital transformation project that promises to significantly enhance the pilgrimage experience at Sabarimala while modernising the administration of more than 1,250 temples and institutions under its control.

Under the proposed system, pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala could soon receive real-time alerts on their mobile phones requesting them to delay their journey by a few hours if the temple complex becomes overcrowded. Devotees will also be able to collect prasadam such as Aravana and Appam by simply scanning a QR code at designated counters, eliminating the need to stand in long queues.

The comprehensive digital modernisation programme is being spearheaded by a high-level Project Management Unit headed by retired IAS officer Dr. Santhosh Babu. The initiative covers not only Sabarimala but also temples, educational institutions and commercial establishments managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Speaking about the project, Dr. Babu said the primary objective is to make all services seamless and hassle-free for devotees through technology-driven solutions.

Under the new system, devotees can make payments online for offerings and prasadam using digital payment platforms, including UPI, and receive a QR code that can be scanned at counters for quick collection. The Board is also considering installing ATM-like automated vending machines to distribute Aravana and Appam efficiently during the peak pilgrimage season, when lakhs of devotees visit the hill shrine.

The digital overhaul extends beyond pilgrim services. The Board plans to computerise its entire internal administration, including procurement of essential materials such as jaggery and ghee, accounting, employee management, auction procedures and legal documentation. Officials believe the move will improve administrative efficiency, enhance transparency and significantly reduce the scope for corruption.

The Project Management Unit was constituted in accordance with a Kerala High Court directive, and the court is directly monitoring the implementation of the project. The modernisation programme is expected to be completed within 24 months.

The project has an estimated total cost of ₹70 crore, with ₹33.25 crore earmarked for the first year. Dr. Babu acknowledged that adapting to new technology could be a challenge for some stakeholders but said the strong support extended by Travancore Devaswom Board President K. Jayakumar has provided crucial momentum to the initiative.

The Board aims to roll out the key digital features at Sabarimala before the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, marking one of the most significant technological upgrades in the temple's history.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman