Sabarimala Ropeway Project Gets Green Signal from Forest Department
Kerala, February 28, 2025 – The Sabarimala ropeway project, a long-pending plan to improve access to the sacred hilltop temple, has received a major boost. According to Media Sources on February 27, 2025, the Forest dept confirmed it will release the required land, giving the green light to this much-awaited initiative. This decision marks a turning point for pilgrims and officials who have been pushing for an easier way to transport goods and assist devotees.
The ropeway, stretching 2.7 kilometers from Pampa Hilltop to the Sannidhanam, is designed to replace the current system of diesel tractors that rumble through the forest, causing pollution and delays. With the Forest Department’s approval, the project is now set to seek recommendations from the State Wildlife Board. After that, it will need final clearance from the National Tiger Conservation Authority, as the area lies near the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
“The Forest Department agreeing to hand over the land is a big win,” said an official from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the temple. “We’re moving fast to get all approvals in place.” The project involves using 4.53 hectares of forest land, but to keep nature safe, the plan includes planting new trees elsewhere. Revenue land in Kulathupuzha, Kollam district, has already been chosen for this purpose.
The ropeway will feature five tall steel towers, between 40 and 60 meters high, and is expected to cost ₹250 crore. It’s being built under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model by Eighteenth Step Damodar Cable Car Private Ltd. Once finished, it will carry goods to the temple quickly and even include ambulance cars for emergencies—cutting the trip from Sannidhanam to Pampa down to just 10 minutes.
This latest step follows months of planning and changes to reduce environmental harm. Earlier, the project faced delays over concerns about cutting trees and disturbing wildlife. But now, only 80 trees will be affected instead of the original 300, thanks to moving the towers closer to the trekking path.
Pilgrims are hopeful. “This will make things so much easier, especially for older people or anyone who can’t climb the hill,” said a devotee visiting Sabarimala. Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan has also promised speedy action, with an installation ceremony planned soon—possibly within a month if all goes well.
The TDB aims to finish the ropeway in 18 to 24 months, targeting completion before the 2026 pilgrimage season. With the Forest Department’s support now secured, the focus is on clearing the final hurdles. For millions of Ayyappa devotees, this ropeway could soon turn a tough journey into a smoother, safer experience.