Pathanamthitta: The largest parking centre in Kerala will soon be integrated with FASTag. The system will be put in place in Nilakkal. FASTag integration is expected to cut down the big queue for collecting vehicle parking fees from the Sabarimala pilgrims. 

ICICI Bank has been given the responsibility to collect the parking fees via FASTag. This will be the second largest ‘parking fee’ assignment for the bank which already collects parking fees at the Tirupati temple. The toll gate in Nilakkal will be inaugurated on November 10. 

The toll gate will be set up at the entrance of the parking ground. A three-lane track is being planned.  However, in the initial phase, there will be only two lanes. It is estimated that a minimum of four seconds will be consumed in letting a vehicle pass through the gate.

On average, 6,000 are being parked on the ground in Nilakkal. As per the estimates of the Devaswom board, nearly four lakh vehicles reach the place annually. The toll gate will also function during the time of monthly poojas at the shrine.

Meanwhile, the police have requested to construct a toll gate at the exit of the parking ground as well. Fees will be levied on a 24-hour basis initially. The Devaswom’s income is expected to reduce if the vehicles are parked for more than a day. Even the police are against parking vehicles for more than 24 hours.