FASTag-Based Parking Facility for Sabarimala Pilgrims

A FASTag-based parking fee system, similar to the system used at airports, is being introduced at Nilakkal for the convenience of Sabarimala pilgrims. Under the new system, the parking fee will be calculated based on the duration of a vehicle’s stay, from the time it enters the parking complex until it exits. When the vehicle reaches the exit gate, the applicable parking fee will be automatically deducted from the FASTag account through scanning.

The system is expected to reduce congestion by eliminating the need for vehicles to wait at gates for cash payments. In addition, AI-enabled cameras will allow the control room to monitor the availability of parking spaces at different lots and track how long vehicles have been parked in real time. The digital system is expected to improve vehicle movement at Nilakkal and reduce parking-related congestion and waiting time for Ayyappa pilgrims.