Pathanamthitta: In a major boost to pilgrim access to Sabarimala, the crucial Chalakayam-Pamba stretch of the main pilgrimage road has received a Rs 15 crore makeover, with the Public Works Department completing the 4.5-km renovation in just 30 days, ahead of the two-month temple festival season beginning Tuesday.
The stretch is a vital link for pilgrims travelling by road to Pamba, the base point from where they undertake the final journey to the hill shrine.
Its timely upgrade is expected to improve access and make the journey safer during the heavy rush of devotees in the coming weeks.
The road has been renovated to modern standards and widened to 12 metres.
Signboards, crash barriers and road markings have been installed at key locations, while additional safety measures have been put in place at sharp curves and accident-prone stretches.
Concrete interlocking blocks have also been laid along both sides.
The work, which had a stipulated completion period of nine months, began on October 13 and was completed on November 13.
Administrative sanction was granted on September 17, while the tender process was completed by September 30.
The road, which was earlier under the Travancore Devaswom Board, was handed over to the PWD on August 14 as part of preparations for the pilgrimage season.
The decision to take up the renovation on an urgent basis was made at a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.
The department faced several challenges, including a shortage of bitumen, delays in procuring construction materials, traffic restrictions and adverse weather.
Two teams worked simultaneously from opposite ends of the stretch.
Construction continued even during the seven days when the temple was open for rituals, with police assistance to regulate traffic.
Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer described the completion of the project in 30 days as a major achievement.
He said coordination among departments and the Chief Minister’s support had made it possible to complete a project that would otherwise have taken nine months.
The minister said the Sabarimala road work would serve as a model for other projects of public importance.
The experience showed that major infrastructure works could be completed within tight deadlines through effective coordination and the involvement of capable contractors, he added.
–IANS–
