Chalakayam–Pamba Road Renovation Completed in Record Time; Hassle-Free Journey for Sabarimala Pilgrims
Pampa: The renovation of the crucial Chalakayam–Pamba road has been completed in a record time of just one month, offering major relief to Sabarimala pilgrims ahead of the Mandala-Makaravilakku season. The ₹14.14-crore project, undertaken by the Kerala Public Works Department (PWD), upgraded a 4.5-kilometre stretch to modern standards, with the road developed to a width of 12 metres.
Remarkably, the project, which had an original completion period of nine months, was completed between October 13 and November 13, 2026. The renovation included a five-centimetre Bituminous Macadam (BM) layer and a three-centimetre Bituminous Concrete (BC) layer, supported by a strengthened 20–30-centimetre metal base. Road signs, crash barriers, road markings and other safety measures have also been installed. Concrete interlocking blocks were laid on both sides of the stretch from Thriveni to the U-turn.
The achievement was made possible through coordinated efforts by the state government, district administration, PWD, police and the contractor. District Collector A. Nizamudeen played a key role in ensuring the timely availability of construction materials, transportation facilities and bitumen through coordination with various departments and agencies. The contractor deployed more than ten JCBs, several tipper lorries, six rollers, two graders and two pavers, with two teams undertaking construction simultaneously from opposite ends.
The decision to take up the renovation was made during a Sabarimala preparatory review meeting chaired by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan in Thiruvananthapuram. Although the road had been maintained by the Travancore Devaswom Board, the PWD undertook the specific renovation using government funds without taking over its ownership. Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer also played a key role in facilitating the project. The work was executed under the PWD Pathanamthitta Division, Ranni Sub-Division and Laha Section, with Executive Engineer Sajith B.T. coordinating the officials. M.P. Jolly was the contractor.
District Collector A. Nizamudeen appreciated the collective efforts of all departments and personnel, stating that the project demonstrated how effective coordination and teamwork could achieve major development targets within an exceptionally short period.
The upgraded road is expected to improve connectivity between Chalakayam and Pamba, ensure safer travel, reduce traffic difficulties and provide a smoother journey for lakhs of devotees visiting Sabarimala during the upcoming pilgrimage season.