He noted that a long-cherished dream of the local community has now become a reality. The bridge was completed at a cost of Rs 60.73 crore. Its distinction as the state’s first extradosed cable-stayed bridge is a major highlight. This design involves supporting the bridge deck using special types of cables (stays).
The bridge offers great relief to the residents of Nalachira, who previously depended on ferries for travel. It has significantly reduced the travel time to the city and the National Highway to just 15 minutes. The Chief Minister added that the aesthetically pleasing, bird-wing-shaped bridge is also expected to attract tourists.
The inauguration ceremony, held at a venue near the bridge, was presided over by Fisheries and Culture Minister Saji Cherian.
The bridge was constructed across the leading channel on the National Waterway near the Kottaravalavu ferry crossing, adhering to all National Waterway standards. To prevent any hindrance to water transport, a 70-meter central span has been constructed without any supporting pillars in the middle, over the National Waterway. The total length of the bridge is 458 meters, and it includes a 1.5-meter-wide footpath on both sides.
Connecting National Highway 66 and the Ambalappuzha-Thiruvalla State Highway, the bridge will serve as a parallel route to the National Highway from Karumadi to Thottappally Kottaravalavu. A special widened section near the footpath in the middle of the bridge, designed for viewing the scenery, is a key attraction.
The bridge will be a significant asset to the residents of Thottappally Nalachira and Illichira, the agricultural sector, the district’s transportation network, and the tourism sector. The event was attended by H. Salam MLA, District Collector Alex Varghese, Ambalappuzha Block Panchayat President Sheeba Rakesh, Block Panchayat Member R. Raji, Purakkad Panchayat President A.S. Sudarsanan, Vice President V.S. Mayadevi, Panchayat Standing Committee Chairpersons, officials from KRFFB (Kerala Road Fund Board), and local representatives. With input from Keralanews.gov.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com
