PWD renovates the 4.5-km Chalakkayam-Pampa road in 30 days before the Sabarimala season
13 November 2026
The Public Works department (PWD) has finished upgrading the 4.5-km Chalakkayam-Pampa road, a key approach for Sabarimala pilgrims, in 30 days at a cost of ₹14.14 crore. Work began on October 13 and ended on November 13, although a nine-month construction period had been allowed. Signboards, road markings and crash barriers were fixed at risky stretches. The road is maintained by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB); the PWD did the job with government funds without taking over the road. The work was decided at a Sabarimala review meeting chaired by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. The 41-day Mandalam pilgrimage season begins on November 17.
In plain words
TDB Travancore Devaswom Board — Statutory board that manages Sabarimala and other temples of the former Travancore State.
PWD Public Works department — The State department that builds and maintains roads and buildings.