All Sabarimala Roads to Be Fully Repaired Before Mandalam Season, Says Kerala Minister P.K. Basheer
Thiruvananthapuram, July 17: Kerala Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer has directed officials to complete the upgradation of roads leading to Sabarimala and the connected road network by November 2026, ahead of the upcoming Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting held on Thursday to assess the progress of infrastructure works related to the annual pilgrimage.
The Minister said that renovation of the Sabarimala roads had not been carried out properly since 2021 due to various reasons. He added that delays in laying pipelines under the Jal Jeevan Mission had also contributed to the deterioration of several roads leading to the hill shrine.
Mr. Basheer assured that all roads connected to Sabarimala would be completely repaired this time, with a strong focus on quality and durability to ensure smooth travel for pilgrims.
Apart from improving road quality, the government will also give priority to road safety. The Minister said that road markings, traffic signboards, direction boards, and other essential safety measures would be installed along the pilgrimage routes before the season begins.
During the meeting, Mr. Basheer directed Public Works Department (PWD) officials to submit fresh proposals for road repair works within one week. He also instructed officials to complete the renovation of PWD rest houses and other maintenance works in the Sabarimala region by November 2026.
The Minister further announced that another review meeting on the progress of the department's works would be held at Pampa on July 21, 2026.
The review meeting was attended by Additional Secretary of the Public Works Department V.R. Vinod, Chief Engineers, and senior PWD officials from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts.