Chilavannoor Bund Road bridge a step closer to reality

Kochi: After several months of stagnation, legal hurdles and mounting public frustration, Chilavannoor Bund Road bridge project is finally becoming a reality. Construction work on the long-delayed infrastructure project has resumed in full swing. Authorities aim to complete bridge construction and open the key road connecting NH bypass with Panampilly Nagar by the end of May 2026, before the onset of monsoon.A main reason for prolongment of construction activities was delay in fabrication of a 90-metre central steel span, set to be the longest road bridge span in Kochi, which forms a key structure of the bridge. Though the contractor earlier commenced steel span works at a fabrication yard in Tiruchirappalli, works were delayed due to multiple reasons including unexpected heavy rains caused by Cyclone Ditwah, sources said."Fabrication works have now been completed and logistics phase has begun. First consignment of steel parts arrived at the project site on Sunday," a senior KMRL official said.Contract for reconstruction of Chilavannoor Bund Road bridge was awarded to Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society in Nov 2023, with a stipulated completion time of 20 months. However, commencement of the work got delayed for several months due to protests from locals. With proactive support of elected representatives, KMRL addressed the concerns raised by locals and a public meeting was also held on March 1, 2024. Following this, survey and construction activities commenced.Construction activities initially progressed as scheduled and two-wheeler traffic was permitted through the site. However, following a few minor accidents and in response to requests from locals, the road passing through the worksite was completely closed, prioritising public safety.The project, funded by KIIFB, aims to provide a vital alternative to the heavily congested Sahodaran Ayyappan Road. It connects NH Bypass (near Thykoodam) to city centre, potentially bypassing Vyttila bottleneck.Chilavannoor Canal rejuvenation — which includes Bund Road bridge, canal bank beautification, boat terminals and dredging — will initiate a transformative step towards sustainable urban development in Kochi, aiming to restore ecological balance, improve urban mobility and create vibrant public spaces for community.