Sun Nov 09 17:25:03 UTC 2025: News Article:

Kumily Faces Pilgrim Season Woes: Lack of Amenities and Traffic Snarls Loom

Kumily, Idukki – November 9, 2025 – With the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season just over a week away, Kumily, a vital stopover town for pilgrims traveling to the Ayyappa temple, is grappling with a severe lack of basic amenities and the threat of debilitating traffic congestion. Thousands of devotees from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh are expected to use the Kumily-Mundakkayam-Erumeli-Pampa route.

Local hotelier Vimal Philip warns of hours-long traffic jams that could lead to police bans on vehicles stopping in town, negatively impacting local businesses. He urges for a proper traffic management system to be implemented immediately. Concerns are also rising about illegal roadside parking by seasonal shops, further exacerbating traffic issues.

Sanoop Puthupparampil, President of the Merchants Association Youth Wing Kumily unit, laments the absence of facilities for pilgrims, including toilets and accommodation. He noted the former accommodation venue near the bus stand is currently undergoing reconstruction, further compounding the problem. He suggests that opening two or three parking grounds could alleviate traffic congestion.

Kumily panchayat president Daisy Sebastian stated the panchayat has requested permission from District Collector Dineshan Cheruvatt to utilize a Forest Department parking ground in Anavachal, Thekkady.

District Police Chief K.M. Sabu Mathew assured that a special traffic management plan would be implemented, with a strict ban on roadside parking. He confirmed discussions with the District Collector regarding the Anavachal parking ground and announced an upcoming high-level interstate meeting to address the situation.

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