KOCHI: Ayyappa devotees flying into Kochi airport can make spot bookings this time around at the special Sabarimala Pilgrim Facilitation Centre, which was inaugurated by Industries Minister P Rajeeve on Thursday.
“The TDB president has agreed to start the spot booking system at the Kochi airport following our discussions with him. The same will be extended to the pilgrims soon,” said airport director Manu G.
The Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) first opened the ‘Edathavalam’, the only dedicated facilitation centre for Sabarimala pilgrims established at an airport in the country, at the start of the last season. The centre recorded a footfall of 6,000 devotees from abroad and outside states which was “beyond the expectations” of the airport authorities.
“A lot of pilgrims are flying in from outside countries besides from neighbouring states and using the facility. Also, many pilgrims, who used to come by trains, have now switched over to flights to save time and all.
This pilgrimage season, 70,000 pilgrims will be allowed to visit the temple daily through the virtual queue system, while the remaining 10,000 will be allowed to make on-the-spot bookings.
Not all pilgrims who arrive here will be making the virtual queue facility and hence it will be handy for them if the online booking system is extended to them at the facilitation centre. The state government has already made all arrangements to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage for devotees,” Rajeeve said.
A set of ‘Dos and Don’ts’ will be displayed in multiple languages at the 5,000-sq ft carpeted lounge located near the Police Aid post at the domestic arrival section.
“There will be a facility for overnight stay for 50 people. Besides, vegetarian food is available round the clock. Our sponsors have agreed to provide free water and other necessary things like oil and all.
The pilgrims can also avail the newly-inaugurated 0484-Aero Lounge facility, located at Terminal 2 of CIAL at affordable rates. For details, call 0484-3053484.
Meanwhile, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will operate daily special services from Kochi airport to Pampa through the two-month pilgrimage season.
The bus will leave the airport at 8 pm to reach Pampa at 2.30 am the next day.
The tickets can be booked in advance through the website www.online.ksrtcswift.com or through ‘Ente KSRTC Neo oprs’ app or through the numbers 9539215231, 9562738311.