Pamba, November 14: In a major boost to Sabarimala pilgrims, the 4.5-km Chalakayam-Pamba stretch of the main pilgrimage road has undergone a ₹15 crore renovation, with the Public Works Department (PWD) completing the project in just 30 days, ahead of the two-month Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
The renovated road is expected to significantly improve connectivity and ensure safer travel for thousands of devotees heading towards Pamba, the base point from where pilgrims begin their final journey to the Sabarimala hill shrine. The temple festival season begins on Tuesday.
The road has been upgraded to modern standards and widened to 12 metres. Safety infrastructure, including signboards, crash barriers and road markings, has been installed at important locations. Additional safety measures have also been introduced at sharp curves and accident-prone stretches. Concrete interlocking blocks have been laid along both sides of the road.
Nine-Month Project Completed in Just 30 Days
The renovation project, which originally had a stipulated completion period of nine months, began on October 13 and was completed on November 13.
Administrative approval for the project was granted on September 17, while the tender process was completed by September 30. The road was earlier under the control of the Travancore Devaswom Board and was handed over to the PWD on August 14 as part of preparations for the Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
The decision to undertake the work on a war footing was taken at a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.
Multiple Challenges Overcome
The PWD faced several challenges during the renovation, including a shortage of bitumen, delays in procuring construction materials, traffic restrictions and adverse weather conditions.
To speed up the work, two teams were deployed simultaneously, starting from opposite ends of the stretch. Construction activities continued even during the seven days when the temple remained open for rituals, with police personnel assisting in traffic regulation.
Minister Hails 30-Day Completion as Major Achievement
Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer described the completion of the project within 30 days as a significant achievement.
He said effective coordination between various departments and the support of the Chief Minister had enabled the department to complete a project originally scheduled to take nine months in just one month.
The minister added that the Sabarimala road renovation would serve as a model for other public infrastructure projects. He emphasised that major development works could be completed within tight deadlines through efficient coordination, proper planning and the involvement of capable contractors.
The upgraded Chalakayam-Pamba road is expected to provide considerable relief to devotees during the upcoming pilgrimage season, particularly amid the anticipated heavy influx of Sabarimala pilgrims.
