PWD forms special team to coordinate Sabarimala pilgrimage preparations

A special core team has been formed within the Public Works department (PWD) to coordinate preparations ahead of the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season, Minister for Public Works P.A. Mohamed Riyas has said.

The team will be headed by the PWD Secretary and will include the Additional Secretary, KSTP Project Director, KRFB (PMU) Project Director, Chief Engineers of Roads, Bridges, National Highways, and Design, as well as the Managing Directors of RICK, Pratheeksha, and Ashwas. The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting to assess pre-pilgrimage season work.

Every Chief Engineer has been asked to review preparations in a specific district. In addition, special inspection teams have been set up for every district and these are expected to submit their reports by August 25. These inspections will continue throughout the pilgrimage season. Executive engineers of the Roads Division have been tasked with coordinating the activities of all wings at the district level.

Mr. Riyas has instructed that all ongoing works be completed in a time-bound manner. He also stressed the timely completion of technical approvals, tendering processes, and related administrative steps. All roads must be fully motorable before the pilgrimage season begins, he said.

Safety inspections

Reports of regular accidents on certain roads were raised at the meeting. The Minister directed that safety inspections be conducted immediately on such roads and that road safety measures be ensured.

Mr. Riyas said that it was important to have signages in multiple languages since pilgrims are expected to arrive in large numbers from various States. Roadside vegetation should be cleared to ensure safe passage for pedestrians. The Minister also instructed that street lighting and drainage systems be made fully functional and efficient.

Works on bridges

Rest houses should be equipped with all facilities. Bridge railings and related infrastructure must be well-maintained. The Minister said that the works on bridges be expedited and completed without delay .

Health Minister Veena George; Chief Whip N. Jayaraj; Mathew T. Thomas, K.U. Jineesh Kumar, Pramod Narayanan, Vazhoor Soman, and Sebastian Kulathunkal, all MLAs; PWD Secretary, Pathanamthitta District Collector and senior officials from various departments were present at the meeting.