Five bridge projects set to boost connectivity in Kochi

Kochi: The district is set for a major connectivity boost as works on Kumbalam-Thevara bridge, Pizhala-Kadamakkudy bridge and Vaduthala railway overbridge (ROB) are expected to begin within weeks. In addition, work on Munambam-Azheekode bridge and Kumbalangi-Keltron ferry bridge has progressed past major milestones.Vaduthala ROB is being executed by Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala (RBDCK), while the other bridge projects are being implemented by Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB). KRFB officials said work on Kumbalam-Thevara and Pizhala-Kadamakkudy bridges would begin soon, as land acquisition procedures for approach roads are in their final stages."We have revised the estimate for Kumbalam-Thevara bridge to Rs 80 crore and submitted it to KIIFB. The tender will be issued within days of receiving approval," a KRFB official said.Kumbalam–Thevara bridge is expected to reduce the travel distance between the two regions by nearly 10km, cutting travel time by about 30 minutes. It will also ease congestion on several busy city routes, providing quicker access for residents of Kumbalam, Aroor, Nettoor and Thevara without passing through the city.KRFB officials added that revenue authorities are in the final stages of acquiring land for the approach road in Pizhala, after which work on Kadamakkudy-Pizhala bridge can begin.Meanwhile, RBDCK has completed soil tests for Vaduthala ROB, which will improve connectivity between the southern and northern parts of the city. The corporation is expected to finalize the bridge design shortly.Piling for Kumbalangi-Keltron ferry bridge, connecting Kumbalangi in Ernakulam and Aroor in Alappuzha district, has also advanced, with land-based piling completed and backwater piling under way. "We will complete the construction within 15 months," an official said. The bridge will significantly shorten travel from Kumbalangi region to NH 66, providing easier access to Chellanam, Kumbalangi, Kannamali, Ezhupunna and nearby areas, as well as to Vyttila and Kundannoor.As the hurdle for land acquisition in Munambam side was removed, the long pending construction of a main pillar of Munambam-Azheekode bridge began recently. Total length of the bridge which is part of the proposed Kasaragod-Thiruvananthapuram coastal highway would be 868.7m and width would be 15.7m. Once the bridge becomes a reality, transportation between Ernakulam and Thrissur will be easier.