It will be a bumpy ride for Sabarimala pilgrims during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku festival season commencing on November 17. Inadequate funds from the exchequer to the Public Works Department (PWD) for the repair of the roads leading to Pampa and other connected roads is what is to make the ride not so smooth for the Ayyappa devotees.
The PWD had identified 1,200 roads spread over the districts of Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Idukki well in advance that need urgent repairs before the pilgrimage season. The estimated cost was Rs.170 crore.
The Chief Engineer (Road and Bridges) had submitted an estimate of Rs.170.93 crore for urgent maintenance work of roads under the PWD in Sabarimala and other connected roads. An estimate of Rs.155.39 crore had been submitted for the works in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam divisions.
The High Court had identified 89 roads in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam divisions that need urgent repairs and the government gave administrative and special sanctions for the works estimated at Rs.15.54 crore.
The Cabinet on Wednesday gave the nod for works totalling to Rs.70 crore subject to clearance of the Election Commission. With this, the PWD will get Rs.85.54 crore for the repair of the roads that had been damaged. Official sources told The Hindu that the department will be able to carry out repairs of only 800 roads with the sanctioned funds.
