Perumbalam bridge sign of LDF govt’s determination: CM

Kottayam: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the Perumbalam bridge symbolises the LDF govt's determination, beyond being just a development project. He was speaking during the inauguration of the newly built Perumbalam bridge, which connects Perumbalam island with the mainland, on Saturday. This moment marked the fulfilment of a long-standing dream of the local residents, he said. "Did you ever think before 2016 that the Perumbalam bridge would become a reality? It was only because this govt came to power in 2016 that this bridge became a reality. That was the uniqueness of this govt. We are moving forward on the right path. On one side, the development of the state, and on the other, the welfare of the people, is what we aim to enhance. We are aiming for a new Kerala," Vijayan said.In 2016, no one believed that the national highway would become a reality in Kerala. Even the national highway authorities abandoned the state. Now, you can see the highway being rapidly completed. In the coming days, the completed sections will be dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister, as informed by Union minister Nitin Gadkari, he said.The bridge was constructed with an expenditure of Rs 100 crore, included in the 2016-17 state budget, with financial assistance from KIIFB. The construction responsibility was assigned to the Kerala road fund board (KRFB) division of PWD. The bridge connects the Arookutty panchayat and Perumbalam island in Aroor constituency in Alappuzha.The bridge spans a total length of 1,155.40 metres and consists of 27 spans of 35 metres each. Additionally, it includes three bowstring arch spans of 55 metres each to ensure unobstructed water traffic in the lake. The bridge is 11 metres wide, with 1.5-metre-wide walkways on both sides for pedestrians. It is designed to offer scenic views of Vembanad Lake. The bridge opens new opportunities for Perumbalam, which holds great potential in the tourism sector. The event was presided over by PWD and tourism minister P A Mohamed Riyas. Daleema Jojo MLA welcomed the gathering. KRFB project director M Ashok Kumar presented the report.