T’puram: State govt is preparing a comprehensive Rs 450 crore package to upgrade roads leading to Sabarimala and improve pilgrim facilities ahead of Mandala-Makaravilakku season, said PWD minister P K Basheer on Sunday. He said govt had begun preparations much earlier than in previous years and the focus would be on the overall development of pilgrimage routes rather than just carrying out repairs.Basheer said there had been shortcomings in the maintenance of Sabarimala roads since 2021 for various reasons, with works not being carried out properly during the previous pilgrimage seasons. He said govt viewed the issue seriously and was unwilling to compromise on the quality of roads used by pilgrims.
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The package will include road infrastructure upgrades, improvement of pilgrim amenities and Rs 15 crore exclusively set aside for road safety measures. Pending works from previous years will be completed on priority, while crash barriers, speed breakers, reflectors and signboards will be installed at accident-prone zones.Basheer said vegetation along both sides of the roads would be cleared to improve visibility and safety. Govt rest houses in the region would be renovated and repaired before pilgrimage begins. Collectors will convene joint meetings of PWD, NHAI and KWA to coordinate works. Separate meetings with MLAs will also be held to address constituency-level issues related to the pilgrimage, he added.Basheer said all works would be carried out with due regard to environmental sustainability and progress would be reviewed periodically to ensure completion before the start of Mandala season. Project proposals will be finalized and administrative sanction and tendering will be initiated in July and August. Priority works, including pending projects and road safety measures, will be taken up during Aug and Sept, he said.Major road improvement works, including resurfacing of key approach roads, drainage improvements and restoration of roads damaged due to Jal Jeevan Mission works, are planned in Sept and Oct. Renovation of govt rest houses will also be completed during this phase, said the minister. The final phase, scheduled in Oct and early Nov, will include completion of all works, quality inspections and safety audits, with a target to finish the works before Mandala season begins.Basheer warned that action would be taken against those responsible for delays in completing the works on time.
