Bridge linking Kottayam and Alappuzha districts targeted for mid-October opening
The completed Nerekadavu-Makkekadavu bridge across Vembanad Lake is expected to open by mid-October, officials say, after approach-road and electrical works are finished. The ₹93.35 crore project began in 2016 but was delayed by land acquisition and a later revision of its estimate.
The Nerekadavu-Makkekadavu bridge linking Kerala’s Kottayam and Alappuzha districts is expected to open to traffic by mid-October, officials said on Saturday. The 800-metre bridge across Vembanad Lake connects Udayanapuram grama panchayat in Kottayam with Thaikkattussery panchayat in Alappuzha. Construction of the bridge has been completed, while work continues on approach roads and retaining walls.
Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph reviewed the project and said arrangements had been finalised for the Kerala State Electricity Board to lay electrical cables. He instructed the board to complete the work within five days, after which tarring of the approach roads would begin. The original target was to finish all works by September 30, but the minister said additional time would be needed.
The Irrigation department is also studying the section of approach road running beside a canal. An estimate will be prepared and additional funds allocated based on the study. Joseph directed officials to take immediate steps to develop the road connecting the Vaikom-Ernakulam road with the bridge.
Vaikom MLA K. Binimon said efforts were under way to open the structure by mid-October. The bridge was built at a cost of ₹93.35 crore under the second phase of the Thuravoor-Pampa road project.
It is 11.23 metres wide and has 22 spans. Officials expect it to shorten the route between Thuravoor in Alappuzha and Vaikom in Kottayam and improve connectivity to Kochi. Work began in 2016 with an 18-month completion target.
The project was later stalled by delays in acquiring land for the approach roads. Land acquisition was completed in 2022 after a Kerala High Court directive, while the contractor subsequently sought a revised estimate because of cost increases. The revised estimate was approved last year.
This independently written report is based on information supplied by the named publisher. Vertrix News has not independently verified the source report.