Vi (Vodafone Idea) has partnered with the Kerala Police to ensure a safe and connected experience for pilgrims during the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage.
Connectivity Upgrades
Vi has upgraded connectivity across Sannidhanam, Pampa, and Nilakkal by deploying 70 MHz of spectrum across L900, L1800, L2100, L2300, and L2500 bands and adding 13 new sites in Pathanamthitta district. Advanced FDD and TDD layers with Massive MIMO technology have been implemented to provide reliable voice and data services during peak pilgrimage traffic.
Connectivity has been strengthened at key locations including Ganapathi Kovil, Nadappanthal, administration offices, the Pampa–Sannidhanam trekking path, and Nilakkal parking and bus stand. This allows pilgrims to stay connected, access information, and communicate with their families.
Vi Suraksha Initiative
The Vi Suraksha program, launched in partnership with Kerala Police, provides QR-coded wristbands for children. Each wristband links to a guardian’s contact number to enable quick reunification if a child goes missing.
A simplified pre-registration process allows families to register online at www.visuraksha.online or at any Vi Store or Vi Mini Store across Kerala. Upon arrival at Pamba base camp, wristbands can be collected from any of the three Vi Suraksha kiosks using a digital registration ID. The service is free for all pilgrims.
Key details of the process:
- Families can pre-register children before arriving at the base camp.
- Wristbands, linked to the guardian’s contact number, are collected at Vi Suraksha kiosks in Pamba.
- The service is available across all 25 Vi Stores and 103 Vi Mini Stores in Kerala.
Impact and Deployment
Last year, around 10–15% of pilgrims were children, and Kerala Police recorded hundreds of missing children cases during the pilgrimage. Over 20,000 Vi Suraksha wristbands were distributed last year, helping authorities reunite more than 150 children with their families.
Pathanamthitta District Police Superintendent Anand R (IPS) inaugurated the pre-registration facility in the presence of George Mathew V, Business Head, Kerala, Vi.
Speaking on the occasion, Pathanamthitta District Police Superintendent Anand R (IPS) said,
The District Police is pleased to continue this collaboration with Vi under the Vi Suraksha initiative, which will greatly assist pilgrims and support our ongoing efforts to ensure their safety during the Sabarimala Yatra. The Vi Suraksha QR code bands will significantly aid our efforts in tracking children who get separated and help them reunite with their families.
Commenting on the efforts, George Mathew V, Business Head – Kerala, Vodafone Idea, said,
At Vi, our focus continues on leveraging technology to create safer and smarter communities. Each year, millions of devotees undertake the pilgrimage to Sabarimala, and ensuring their safety is of utmost importance. With Vi Suraksha’s innovative QR Code bands, families can stay connected and locate their children quickly in case of any unforeseen situations.
Through our partnership with Kerala Police on the Vi Suraksha initiative, we are proud to once again help make this pilgrimage safer for children and worry-free for families. Our enhanced network across Nilakkal, Pampa, and Sannidhanam ensures devotees stay connected during their spiritual journey.