As Kerala gears up for its significant annual pilgrimage to Sabarimala, the State Police and leading telecom provider Vi have collaborated once more to ensure a safe and seamless experience for pilgrims. Vi has improved its network coverage on the route by enhancing connectivity in Sannidhanam, Pampa, and Nilakkal. The company has deployed 70 MHz of spectrum across various bands, including L900, L1800, L2100, L2300, and L2500, while adding 13 new sites in the Pathanamthitta district. To maintain uninterrupted connectivity, Vi has rolled out advanced FDD and TDD layers along with Massive MIMO technology, ensuring robust data and voice services even during peaks of pilgrimage traffic.
Connectivity has been notably improved at key locations such as Ganapathi Kovil, Nadappanthal, administrative offices, the trekking path from Pampa to Sannidhanam, and at Nilakkal’s parking and bus stand, allowing devotees to communicate with their families, access information, and share their spiritual journeys without interruption. Following last year’s positive reception of the Vi Suraksha initiative, Vi has once again partnered with Kerala Police to offer QR-coded safety wristbands for children. Each wristband is connected to a guardian’s contact number, facilitating quick reunification of lost children with their families. This year, a simplified pre-registration process has been introduced, allowing families to register before reaching the base camp and collect the safety bands from any Vi Suraksha kiosk at Pamba upon arrival.
Parents or guardians can pre-register their children for a Vi Suraksha Wrist Band by visiting www.visuraksha.online or any Vi Store or Mini Store in Kerala to obtain a digital registration ID prior to their pilgrimage. During the pilgrimage, they can present this ID at any Vi Suraksha kiosk at Pamba base camp to receive the QR-coded wristbands linked to their contact information. This service is complimentary and available to all pilgrims. Over the years, the Kerala Police has noted a significant increase in child pilgrims, with approximately 10-15% of last year’s total pilgrims being children. Concurrently, the police report numerous cases of missing children each season, highlighting child safety as a critical concern during crowd management.
The Pathanamthitta District Police Superintendent Anand R (IPS) officially launched the pre-registration for the Vi Suraksha initiative in the presence of George Mathew V, Business Head of Kerala at Vi, at the Pathanamthitta District Police Office. The service will be accessible at all 25 Vi Stores and 103 Vi Mini Stores throughout Kerala, with three Vi Suraksha kiosks established at Pamba, conveniently located near the Virtual Queue Kiosks. Last year, Vi distributed over 20,000 Vi Suraksha wristbands, aiding the Kerala Police in reuniting more than 150 missing children with their families during the pilgrimage.
Superintendent Anand R (IPS) expressed satisfaction with the continued partnership with Vi under the Vi Suraksha initiative, which greatly supports the safety of pilgrims during the Sabarimala Yatra. He noted that the QR code bands would significantly enhance their ability to track children who become separated and help reunite them with their families. George Mathew V, Business Head for Kerala at Vodafone Idea, commented that Vi’s focus is to utilize technology to create safer communities. With millions of devotees undertaking the pilgrimage each year, ensuring their safety is paramount. The innovative QR Code bands from Vi Suraksha allow families to remain connected and quickly locate their children in unforeseen circumstances.
Through this collaboration with Kerala Police, Vi is proud to contribute to a safer pilgrimage for children and peace of mind for families. The enhanced network throughout Nilakkal, Pampa, and Sannidhanam guarantees that devotees can stay connected during their spiritual journey.