The Kerala government is set to roll out a ₹450-crore development package for Sabarimala, with ₹15 crore exclusively allocated for road safety measures, ahead of the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas announced.
The package will focus on completing pending infrastructure projects carried over from previous years while improving facilities for the lakhs of pilgrims expected to visit the hill shrine. As part of the road safety initiative, authorities will undertake extensive road markings, install new signboards and crash barriers, and strengthen other safety infrastructure along the key pilgrimage routes. Renovation and maintenance of government rest houses in the region are also scheduled to be completed by November.
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The minister also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the long-awaited Pampa–Sannidhanam ropeway project, stating that the proposal has already been discussed with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, with the aim of improving connectivity and pilgrim convenience.
To review preparations, the PWD recently conducted a special meeting at Pampa, following an earlier review in Thiruvananthapuram this month. Officials noted that planning for this year’s pilgrimage season began much earlier than in previous years to ensure all essential works are completed on schedule.
Road safety emerged as the key priority during the review. Recommendations submitted by the Pathanamthitta District Police Chief were approved, and officials directed that all road-related works be completed before the start of the Mandala season to ensure safer travel for pilgrims.
The department also expressed its readiness to take up maintenance of the 4.5-kilometre road leading to Pampa, provided the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) transfers the stretch, which currently falls under its jurisdiction, to the Public Works Department. Officials said the move would help streamline maintenance and improve the condition of one of the busiest routes used during the annual pilgrimage.
