Thiruvananthapuram: A new bridge is set to be constructed along the Sannidhanam–Marakoottam path at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, aiming to ease the journey for pilgrims after darshan.

The project, with an estimated cost ranging between ₹50 crore and ₹100 crore, will be funded through the Sabarimala Master Plan Committee and state government resources.

The proposed “exit bridge” is part of a larger effort to manage the heavy rush of devotees at the Sannidhanam. Once completed, pilgrims who have completed darshan at the Sannidhanam and Malikappuram, and have collected prasadam from counters near the Annadanam Hall, will be redirected through this one-way bridge to exit the temple complex. The initiative is expected to reduce crowding in the temple premises.

The bridge will originate near the treatment plant in Sannidhanam and connect to the path between Marakoottam and Jyothi Nagar, spanning a total of 360 metres.

A major portion of the proposed stretch passes through forest land with steep gradients. Meanwhile, engineers are yet to decide whether the bridge will require raised pillars or if a suspension design would be more suitable. The final decision will be taken after the completion of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the infrastructure consultancy agency, TERMS.

A high-level committee had previously recommended the construction of a dedicated exit bridge to better manage the flow of pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage season. A Bailey bridge, earlier built by the Army for emergency use, had failed to deliver the desired results in terms of crowd control.

In a separate development, the Travancore Devaswom Board has also announced plans to construct a ropeway from Pamba Hilltop to the Sannidhanam. This would primarily be used for transporting goods and as a potential air ambulance route in case of emergencies.