Kerala government allocates Rs 377.8 crore for Sabarimala road repairs

Thiruvananthapuram: With the annual Mandalam- Makaravilakku pilgrimage at Sabarimala only days away, the Kerala government has sanctioned Rs 377.8 crore for the repair and renovation of major pilgrimage routes across the state.

Announcing the decision, Finance Minister K N Balagopal said the funds will cover works on 82 roads spread across 10 districts. “These are key routes used by Ayyappa devotees during the Sabarimala season,” he noted.

According to the minister, Rs 68.90 crore has been allotted for 14 roads in Thiruvananthapuram and Rs 54.20 crore for 15 roads in Kollam. Pathanamthitta, which houses the hill shrine, will receive Rs 40.20 crore for the restoration of six crucial roads.

The allocations for other districts include: Rs 36 crore for nine roads in Alappuzha, Rs 35.20 crore for eight roads in Kottayam, Rs 35.10 crore for five roads in Idukki, Rs 32.42 crore for eight roads in Ernakulam, Rs 44 crore for 11 roads in Thrissur, Rs 27.30 crore for five roads in Palakkad, and Rs 4.50 crore for one road in Malappuram.

The government’s decision comes as extensive preparations are underway at the Sabarimala hill shrine ahead of the two-month pilgrimage season, which begins on November 16. Lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad are expected to take part in the annual rituals.