Pathanamthitta: In a bid to prevent isolation of Sabarimala temple during floods like the one that submerged the bridges over the Pamba river in 2018, measures are being taken to construct a new safety bridge at the site. A detailed project plan of the same has been uploaded on the Parivesh portal for the approval of the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

From Pamba Bus Bay to Ganapathi Temple

The new bridge will stretch 140 metres, starting from the bus stop below the hilltop after the petrol pump at Pamba and ending behind the Pamba Ganapathi Temple, all on the same level. With a branching road leading to the Ganapathi Temple, the total length reaches 165 metres. It will have a width of 10 metres, and is designed as a single pillar construction under the Sabarimala Master Plan with a budget of Rs 31.9 Crore allocated by the State Government. An amount of 8 Crore rupees was allocated in the budget for this purpose. The detailed plan has been prepared by a Kozhikode-based firm, Space Arc.

To have aesthetic appeal as well
Besides its functional design for emergency rescue operations, the bridge is also styled for aesthetic appeal resembling a suspension bridge. Once operational, the bridge will facilitate the passage of Sabarimala pilgrims and ambulances between Sabarimala premises and other areas. It will also have steps for pilgrims to access Pamba river.