Thiruvananthapuram: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has launched a special mission to ensure that the next Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season is smooth and hassle-free.

As part of the initiative, the pilgrimage route from Pampa to Sannidhanam will be divided into 40 designated zones, each equipped with various facilities. A special officer and an assistant special officer will supervise each zone, and a team comprising temple employees and daily wage workers will assist them.

The TDB has already prepared a detailed blueprint of the required facilities at each zone, incorporating feedback from 1,200 staff members who have previously worked at Sabarimala.

The Board will hold monthly review meetings on the first of every month to assess the progress of preparations. Special teams will also be set up to oversee key services such as appam, aravana, nivedyam, drinking water, accommodation, parking, and security. To enhance transparency and prevent corruption, each team will independently handle tenders for its respective services.

Higher-ranking officials of the Board at the Institute of Management in Government (IMG), Kerala, will undergo training to enhance administrative efficiency, particularly in e-tendering, e-billing, and e-governance.

TDB President P S Prasanth said that the mission aims to complete all preparations well in advance. "The Board has a responsibility to ensure better facilities for devotees. We are also working towards fully digitising the process," he added.