A decade in the making, bridge linking Kottayam, Alappuzha set to open soon

Nearly a decade after work began, the Nerekadavu-Makkekadavu bridge linking Kottayam and Alappuzha districts is finally set to open, with authorities working to make it operational by mid-October.

The 800-metre-long bridge across Vembanad Lake connects Udayanapuram grama panchayat in Kottayam district with Thaikkattussery panchayat in Alappuzha district. Construction of the bridge has been completed while work is under way on the approach roads on either side and the retaining walls.

Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph, who reviewed the project the other day, said a decision on developing the connecting roads would be taken after discussions with the Public Works department (PWD) and Revenue Ministers. “The PWD has held discussions with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and finalised arrangements for laying electrical cables. Instructions have been issued to the KSEB to complete the work within five days, following which tarring of the approach roads will commence,” he said.

Earlier target

The earlier target was to complete all works, including tarring, by September 30. However, a few more days would be required due to the prevailing circumstances, the Minister said.

The Irrigation department has also decided to conduct a study of the portion of the approach road running alongside the canal. “An estimate will be prepared based on the study and additional funds will be allocated accordingly,” Mr. Joseph said.

He also directed officials to take immediate steps to develop the road connecting the Vaikom-Ernakulam road with the Nerekadavu-Makkekadavu bridge.

Vaikom MLA K. Binimon said efforts were under way to open the bridge to traffic by mid-October.

Shorter route

Built at a cost of ₹93.35 crore under the second phase of the Thuravoor-Pampa road project, the bridge is expected to provide a shorter route between Thuravoor in Alappuzha and Vaikom in Kottayam district and improve connectivity to Kochi. It is 11.23 metres wide and has 22 spans.

Work on the bridge began in 2016 with an initial completion deadline of 18 months. However, the project was stalled midway over delays in acquiring land for the approach roads on either sides.

Though the land acquisition was completed in 2022 following a Kerala High Court directive, the contractor sought a revision of the project estimate citing cost escalation. The Finance department approved the revised estimate last year, taking the total project cost to ₹93.35 crore.