The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has decided to construct a new Bhandaram at Sabarimala with modern facilities.
TDB president Prayar Gopalakrishnan told The Hindu that the Bhandaram would be set up beneath the Malikappuram flyover.
The project had been approved by the High Power Committee (HPC).
HPC chief engineer P.S. Jolly Ullas said the work on the new Bhandaram would begin this week.
He said an underpass would be constructed linking the Ayyappa temple complex with the new Bhandram. The offerings received at the temple would be shifted to the Bhandaram through a mechanised conveyor system, he said.
He said beautification of the Pampa bathing ghats would be implemented as a pilot project along 150 metres at Pampa-Triveni. The project would be implemented with financial support from the Tourism Department.
Mr. Ullas said the extension work of the Annadanam Mandapam at Sabarimala was progressing.
The TDB would be able to feed as many as 5,000 people at a time at the new mandapam.
