Road work on Sabarimala route leaves pilgrims stranded in traffic jam

SABARIMALA: Sabarimala pilgrims are facing severe traffic congestion on the Pampa-Chalakkayam road as road renovation work has disrupted vehicle movement. The Public Works Department (PWD) has dug up sections of the road as part of the renovation, resulting in long queues of vehicles. Hundreds of vehicles carrying devotees to Sabarimala are moving at a snail's pace along the stretch.

The temple had remained closed for the past 25 days after being opened for five days for the Kanni month puja. However, no renovation work was carried out during this period. Following complaints that the Devaswom Board had failed to maintain the road, the government took over the responsibility for the stretch. However, delays in the takeover process and tender procedures have been cited as the reasons for the delay in repair work.

With the temple now open for the Thulam month puja, Sabarimala is witnessing a heavy influx of devotees. There are also concerns that carrying out road work amid persistent rainfall could lead to accidents. The traffic congestion has also affected KSRTC buses operating the chain service between Pampa and Nilakkal, adding to the difficulties faced by pilgrims.