Pathanamthitta: A new system to monitor crowd levels at Sabarimala will be up and running within a week, allowing devotees to check real-time information about crowd size and other arrangements at the shrine. The system will provide updates online, including details on crowd numbers and the steps taken to manage the flow of pilgrims. This information will be accessible through a dashboard on the virtual queue website.

The initiative is being implemented by the district administration, and the dashboard will offer an easy-to-understand view of crowd conditions at the temple. This will allow pilgrims to make informed decisions based on the crowd situation before visiting. 

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AI-powered chatbot

To address pilgrims' doubts and provide information, a WhatsApp chatbot will be introduced. The AI-powered chatbot will offer answers to a range of queries, including temple visiting hours, bus schedules from Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), nearby accommodation options, and other logistics. The chatbot will be available in six languages, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience. A dedicated WhatsApp number or QR code for easy access to the service will soon be shared with the public.

District Collector S. Prem Krishnan and Sabarimala ADM Arun S. Nair confirmed that both the crowd monitoring system and the WhatsApp chatbot will be operational soon. They stated that these tools will help ensure better crowd management, streamline bookings, and improve the overall experience for devotees.

Dashboard to track bookings

The system will also allow devotees to check daily booking numbers and crowd status in real-time. This will help authorities, including the police and other officials, to assess crowd dynamics and make necessary preparations in advance, such as deploying additional staff or arranging parking facilities. The system will also help identify days with lower crowd numbers, allowing devotees to plan their visit accordingly. However, it is important to note that the personal details of devotees using the virtual queue booking system will not be visible on the dashboard.

With the implementation of these measures, authorities hope to better manage the influx of pilgrims during the peak pilgrimage season at Sabarimala.