The reconstruction of a damaged culvert on the Piravom–Elanji road in Kerala may not be completed before the Mandala pilgrimage season begins on November 17, raising concerns over access for vehicles carrying Sabarimala pilgrims through the route.
The road is used by pilgrims travelling from Kochi towards Sabarimala through Thrippunithura, Chottanikkara, Pazhoor and Piravom. From Monippally, vehicles can continue towards Uzhavoor, Pala and Kadapattur or take the Ettumanoor route. The road is therefore expected to carry regular pilgrimage traffic during the season.
The culvert near Thekkum Moottilppady on the Piravom side was damaged after its slab collapsed during the monsoon. Traffic through the stretch has been disrupted since then, according to a report by Mathrubhumi – Kochi.
Reconstruction began on October 19 after an allocation of Rs 9.7 lakh. The new culvert is planned to measure eight metres in length and two metres in width. The stated target was to complete the work before the Mandala season began on November 17.
Concrete work on the culvert is scheduled for Tuesday. However, technical experts cited in the report said that even if the concrete is poured as planned, more than three weeks may be required before traffic can resume through the structure. That timeline would extend beyond the start of the pilgrimage season.
The timing is significant because vehicles carrying Sabarimala pilgrims generally begin using the route two days before the Mandala season opens. The road forms part of a wider route connecting the Kochi region with destinations used by pilgrims travelling towards central Kerala and onward to Sabarimala.
The reported delay could leave the first week of the season particularly uncertain for motorists using the Piravom–Elanji corridor. The available report does not specify whether a temporary diversion, traffic-control arrangement or alternate route plan has been formally announced by the authorities.
The immediate construction milestone is the scheduled concrete work on Tuesday. Whether vehicles will be permitted to use the road before the first week of the Mandala season will depend on the completion and curing of the rebuilt culvert.
