TDB proposes ₹5 booking fee for Sabarimala virtual queue

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has proposed a ₹5 fee for booking slots in the Sabarimala virtual queue. This fee aims to create a fund to assist pilgrims in case of accidents or tragedies, following a High Court directive. The fund will provide financial support to families of pilgrims who die during the trek, particularly from health issues. The TDB had previously stalled the initiative, which was ordered by the court in 2017. In the recent pilgrimage season, over 53 lakh devotees visited Sabarimala, with more than 80% using the virtual queue system. The TDB had also suggested a service charge during the pandemic to prevent fake bookings.