The Madras Engineering Group (MEG) of the Indian Army has almost completed the work on a 'Bailey bridge' across a check-dam near Malikappuram at Sabarimala Sannidhanam here.
The steel structure will be launched jointly by MEG Commandant Gurdeep Singh and Anto Antony, MP, at a simple function to be held at the Sannidhanam on Wednesday, according to official sources.
The 40-metre long and 3.3-metre wide bridge has been constructed at a cost of Rs.75 lakh. The Bailey bridge is part of a diversion road under construction linking the Sannidhanam with Chandranandan Road.
K. Jayakumar, Additional Chief Secretary and chairman of the high power committee for the implementation of the Sabarimala Master Plan, told The Hindu on Tuesday that the diversion road would be ready by October 31 and that it would be opened for pilgrims by November 14.
He said the beautification work on the bridge-cum-diversion road with attractive lighting arrangements on either side too would be completed by mid-November.
Exit route
The diversion road, when completed, would be used as a exit route for devotees returning after ‘darshan' at the Ayyappa temple, thereby avoiding human pressure and congestion at the Sannidhanam during the rush days of the festival season, Mr. Jayakumar said.
The Chennai-based Pithavadiyan and Partners has designed the diversion road estimated to cost a total of Rs.122 lakh. The 240-metre long road has been designed as a combination of ramp and steps.
