The Piravom–Elanji road, an important route for Sabarimala pilgrims from the Kochi region, may remain disrupted when the Mandala season begins on November 17 because reconstruction of a damaged culvert is unlikely to be completed in time, according to a report by Mathrubhumi.
Vehicles carrying pilgrims usually begin using the route from around two days before the start of the season. The road connects with the route from Kochi through Thrippunithura, Chottanikkara, Pazhoor and Piravom, before continuing towards Monippally. From Monippally, travellers can proceed through Uzhavoor, Pala and Kadapattur, or take the route via Ettumanoor.
The affected culvert is located near Thekkum Moottilppadi on the Piravom side of the road. Its slab was damaged during the monsoon, resulting in a disruption to traffic through the section. The road is used regularly by vehicles carrying Ayyappa devotees travelling towards the Sabarimala pilgrimage routes.
Reconstruction work began on October 19 after an allocation of Rs 9.7 lakh. The culvert is approximately eight metres long and two metres wide. The stated target was to complete the work before the Mandala season began on November 17, when pilgrim traffic is expected to increase along the road.
Concrete work on the culvert is scheduled to take place on Tuesday. However, technical experts cited in the report said that even if the concrete slab is laid on schedule, the road may require more than three weeks before traffic can resume. This creates uncertainty over whether pilgrims will be able to use the route during at least the first week of the season.
The disruption places pressure on travellers to use alternative routes, including the links from Monippally towards Uzhavoor, Pala and Kadapattur or towards Ettumanoor. The report does not provide details of a formal traffic-diversion plan, a revised completion schedule or any separate arrangement for managing pilgrim vehicles while the culvert remains closed.
