The Kerala Road Safety Authority has approved special road safety projects worth ₹13.88 crore to ensure safe road travel during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season. According to Transport Minister C.P. John the objective of these projects, which are being implemented on an urgent basis, is to guarantee a smooth and accident-free journey for pilgrims and the general public.
The projects are being executed through the Public Works Department (PWD). Administrative sanction from the Road Safety Fund has been granted for 60 road safety works costing ₹13.19 crore submitted by the Chief Engineer of the PWD Roads Wing, and for special projects costing ₹69.79 lakh submitted by the Pathanamthitta District Road Safety Council.
To prevent accidents at sharp curves and along steep gorges, ‘W-beam’ metal crash barriers- compliant with safety standards- will be installed on the roads. Additionally, to enhance safety during night travel, facilities such as prismatic road studs, thermoplastic line markings, intensity tapes, object hazard markers, and chevron curve indicators will be installed. In addition to installing solar signal systems and solar blinkers at major junctions, the project will also provide directional signage, convex mirrors, and hazard warning systems. Ancillary road maintenance and the construction of surface drainage systems will also be carried out as part of the initiative, said the Minister.
The safety measures are being implemented on pilgrimage routes across five PWD divisions- Idukki, Kollam, Kottayam, Muvattupuzha, and Pathanamthitta- as well as the Ponkunnam and Kottarakkara KSTP divisions.
Completing the urgent works before the commencement of the pilgrimage season would also ensure safe travel for the lakhs of pilgrims arriving from other States and beyond, said the Minister.
Published – September 19, 2026 06:58 pm IST
