Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 19 (PTI) The Kerala government has sanctioned Rs 14.5 crore for special road safety projects on routes leading to Sabarimala ahead of the upcoming annual pilgrimage season at the famed Lord Ayyappa Temple there.
The Kerala Road Safety Authority has approved the projects, aimed at ensuring safer and smoother travel for pilgrims and the general public, state Transport Minister C P John said on Saturday.
Of the total allocation, administrative sanction has been given for 60 road safety works proposed by the Public Works Department’s Roads Wing chief engineer at a cost of Rs 13.19 crore, he said in a statement.
A total of Rs 69.79 lakh has been sanctioned for special projects submitted by the Pathanamthitta District Road Safety Council, he said.
The works will be implemented in the pilgrimage routes under the Public Works Department in five divisions — Idukki, Kollam, Kottayam, Muvattupuzha and Pathanamthitta — as well as the Ponkunnam and Kottarakkara Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP) divisions.
W-beam metal crash barriers conforming to safety standards will be installed at sharp curves and locations near steep drops to prevent accidents.
The projects also include installation of prismatic road studs, thermoplastic line markings, intensity tapes, object hazard markers and chevron curve indicators to improve safety during night travel.
Solar signal systems and solar blinkers will be installed at major junctions, besides directional signboards, convex mirrors and hazard warning systems.
Ancillary road repairs and surface drainage works will also be undertaken as part of the project.
“The urgent works will be completed before the pilgrimage season begins, ensuring safe travel for lakhs of pilgrims, including those arriving from other states,” John said.
The over two months-long Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season begins on November 16 this year. PTI LGK ROH
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