Kerala authorities press for faster works before Sabarimala season

Authorities in Kerala have pressed agencies to accelerate road and infrastructure works ahead of the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season, which is due to begin in less than two months. The district development committee in Pathanamthitta called for urgent action on delayed works being carried out under the Sabarimala Package by the Kerala Road Fund Board. Ranni MLA Pazhakulam Madhu asked for alignment inspection and utility shifting for the Ranni bridge to be completed within a week.

He also sought the establishment of a traffic police station at Vadasserikkara before the pilgrimage season. The Aban Junction flyover in Pathanamthitta was also reviewed. MLA Abin Varkey instructed the KRFB executive engineer to complete the project urgently.

A meeting involving the district collector and the MLAs of Adoor and Aranmula will discuss construction of the Vayarpuzha bridge. Varkey also called for faster completion of work at Pathanamthitta General Hospital. In Kottayam, officials discussed preparations in areas expected to experience increased pilgrim movement, including road repairs in Kanjirappally constituency and a special review meeting in Poonjar.

The Kottayam district administration also considered measures to address the stray dog problem, including concerns about dogs on the Medical College campus and food waste left by visitors. A community kitchen was among the options to be examined. Officials also reviewed highway widening, public transport routes, hospital payment systems and charges at nearby laboratories and scanning centres.

Medical authorities said institutions had been instructed to display test rates prominently.