Kerala's Public Rest Houses Generate Rs 32 Crore Revenue in Four Years
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister P A Mohammed Riyas announced on Tuesday that the transformation of government rest houses into public facilities has yielded significant financial returns for Kerala. The initiative has generated an impressive additional revenue of Rs 32 crore over the past four years, marking a successful shift in public infrastructure utilization.
Infrastructure Development and Public Access
Minister Riyas made this revelation during the inauguration ceremony of a new PWD rest house building and the renovated Kulathottumala–Plavoor Road at Kulathottumala in Kattakkada. He emphasized that since 186 rest houses across the state were opened to the general public, the department has recorded a remarkable 5,26,798 bookings. This substantial public response highlights the growing demand for accessible accommodation facilities throughout Kerala.
The minister further elaborated on Kerala's infrastructure progress, noting that the state has emerged as a hub of infrastructure development. A significant achievement includes the upgrading of 60% of roads under the PWD to Bituminous Macadam Bituminous Concrete (BMBC) standards, enhancing connectivity and travel safety across the region.
Tourism Boost and Economic Impact
Kattakkada MLA I B Satheesh highlighted the strategic importance of these developments during the event. He described Kattakkada as a gateway for tourists heading to prominent destinations such as Neyyar Dam, Kottur Elephant Sanctuary, and Agasthyakoodam. According to Satheesh, the new rest house facility will significantly boost tourism and stimulate related economic activities in the constituency, reflecting a long-term vision for sustainable development.
As part of the inauguration festivities, the MLA also flagged off a new KSRTC bus service connecting Kattakada to Kulathottumala, further improving transportation access for both residents and visitors to the area.
Modern Facilities and Road Renovation
The newly inaugurated rest house building represents a substantial investment in public infrastructure, constructed at a cost of Rs 4.11 crore. The facility boasts modern amenities designed to cater to diverse needs, including:
- A fully-equipped conference hall for meetings and events
- A luxurious suite room for extended stays
- A VIP room with premium accommodations
- Five comfortable rooms featuring private balconies
Access to this modern facility is facilitated by the 2.035-kilometer Kulathottumala–Plavoor Road, which has been completely renovated to BMBC standards. This crucial infrastructure project was completed at a cost of Rs 2.43 crore, utilizing funds from the MLA's asset development fund to ensure quality and durability.
Community Participation and Leadership
The inauguration function was chaired by V J Sunitha, President of Kattakkada Grama Panchayat, demonstrating strong local governance involvement. The event was attended by several key officials and community representatives, including:
- PWD Executive Engineer Biju
- District Panchayat Member Gopu Neyyar
- Block Panchayat Member Anishma Basheer
Their presence underscored the collaborative effort between various levels of administration in bringing these infrastructure improvements to fruition, benefiting both local residents and the tourism sector in Kerala.
