Pathanamthitta: This year's Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage preparations are underway, with parking space being arranged for an additional 2,000 vehicles at Nilakkal. As part of this effort, 690 rubber trees have been cut down, with another 260 trees to be removed soon. For 26-seater or larger buses, the parking fee has been set at Rs 100. However, if the vehicle does not have a FASTag, an additional 25 per cent fee will apply, bringing the total to Rs 125.

For mini-buses with seating capacity between 15 and 25, the fee is Rs 75. Vehicles seating between 5 and 14 passengers will be charged Rs 50, cars with up to four seats will be charged Rs 30, and auto-rickshaws will have a parking fee of Rs 15. These charges are valid for 24 hours. The contractor responsible for collecting the fees is also required to set up a FASTag gate at the location.

Currently, there is parking capacity for 8,000 vehicles at Nilakkal, and 200 additional trees will be cut down this month, with more being removed next month. Vehicles belonging to the Kerala government, other state governments, the Devaswom Board, and public sector organisations such as the State Transport Corporation will be exempt from parking fees.

The contractor is responsible for ensuring adequate security for vehicles parked in the designated areas. The Devaswom Board has set the minimum tender amount for collecting parking fees at Rs 2,98,89,366.