4.5-km stretch upgraded to modern standards at a cost of ₹14.14 crore; nine-month project completed in just one month through coordinated efforts
business100news.com ; In a major relief to Sabarimala pilgrims, the renovation of the Chalakayam–Pampa road has been completed in record time by the Kerala Public Works Department (PWD), ahead of the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.The 4.5-kilometre stretch, one of the key routes used by lakhs of pilgrims visiting Sabarimala, has been upgraded to modern standards at a cost of ₹14.14 crore. The road has been renovated to a width of 12 metres. Notably, a project originally scheduled for completion within nine months was finished in just one month.
The renovation has incorporated modern road construction techniques to ensure durability and a better riding surface. The road has been laid with a 5-cm-thick Bituminous Macadam (BM) layer and a 3-cm-thick Bituminous Concrete (BC) layer. The foundation has also been strengthened with a 20–30 cm layer of metal aggregates.Special attention has been given to road safety. Signboards, crash barriers and road markings have been installed at necessary locations. Safety measures have also been introduced at accident-prone stretches, curves and other critical points.
Concrete interlocking blocks have been laid on both sides of the road from Thriveni to the U-turn. Additional protective arrangements have also been made to ensure safer travel for pilgrims.The work commenced on October 13, 2026, and was completed on November 13. The Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department inspected the project on September 18, 2026. M.P. Jolly was the contractor.
Collective Effort Behind the Record Achievement
The successful completion of the Chalakayam–Pampa road renovation in such a short period is the result of careful planning, interdepartmental coordination and the collective efforts of officials, the district administration and the contractor.Administrative approval for the project was granted on September 17. Technical sanction and tender procedures were completed within a month. The contractor also entered into the agreement without waiting for the usual 28-day period, enabling construction to begin much earlier.
Ensuring the timely availability of construction materials was one of the major challenges. Under the leadership of District Collector A. Nizamudeen, coordination was undertaken with the offices of various ministers and concerned departments to ensure the uninterrupted supply of materials.The district administration also played a crucial role in securing materials from Delta. Special passes were issued by the District Collector to enable tipper lorries to transport construction materials without delays.The availability of bitumen was another challenge. Coordination with revenue authorities enabled the plant in Ernakulam to operate even during night hours. With bitumen supplies facing shortages, interventions were also made at ministerial and official levels with BPCL authorities to ensure adequate supplies.To accelerate the work, the contractor deployed extensive machinery and manpower. More than ten JCBs, several tipper lorries, six rollers, two graders and two pavers were put into operation simultaneously. Construction was carried out by two teams working from both ends of the 4.5-km stretch.The timely supply of materials through the PWD’s intervention, combined with the contractor’s preparations and cooperation, significantly accelerated the project.
The decision to take up and complete the work ahead of the pilgrimage season was made at a Sabarimala preparatory review meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram under the chairmanship of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.The road, which had been maintained by the Travancore Devaswom Board for several years, had deteriorated considerably, posing challenges to pilgrimage-season traffic. The PWD undertook this specific renovation project without taking over ownership of the road. Government funds were utilised for the construction instead of the Devaswom Board’s deposit amount.
The intervention of Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer helped streamline the administrative procedures.
The Police Department also extended crucial support. Traffic regulations were coordinated during the seven days when the Sabarimala temple remained open, creating the necessary conditions for uninterrupted construction activities.Officials ranging from Assistant Engineers to the Chief Engineer, along with the Department Secretary and Minister, worked in coordination to ensure the project’s timely completion.Favourable weather conditions also helped. The absence of heavy rainfall during the crucial stages of construction allowed the work to progress without major interruptions.The project was implemented under the leadership of the PWD’s Pathanamthitta Division, Ranni Sub Division and Laha Section. Additional officials from other divisions were deployed to strengthen the Laha Section team.The coordination of the team led by Executive Engineer Sajith B.T. and the wholehearted cooperation of the contractor were instrumental in achieving this milestone.
A Model of Coordinated Development
District Collector A. Nizamudeen said the completion of the project demonstrated how collective effort and dedication could turn even seemingly impossible targets into reality.”The success of a development project is measured not merely by the speed of its execution, but also by the teamwork and commitment of the people who come together to make it happen. The Chalakayam–Pampa road renovation stands as an example of this spirit,” he said.He added that the experience would provide valuable confidence for implementing similar public-interest projects within strict deadlines in the future.”When departments work together beyond administrative boundaries, keeping people’s needs at the centre, neither time constraints nor challenges need to stand in the way of development,” the Collector pointed out.He also extended his heartfelt appreciation, on behalf of the district administration, to everyone who contributed to the successful completion of the project.
The renovated Chalakayam–Pampa road is expected to reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion and improve safety for the lakhs of devotees visiting Sabarimala.More than just a road development project, its completion in record time stands as an example of administrative efficiency, interdepartmental coordination and collective determination.
