A total of ₹89 crore has been allotted by Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) for land acquisition and construction of a four-lane overbridge at Atlantis that would link Panampilly Nagar and Thevara, Hibi Eden, MLA, said.
Seventy per cent of the land needed for the bridge project was acquired during the UDF rule, following which the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala (RBDCK) submitted a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR). Pending land acquisition can resume for the bridge, which will decongest Ernakulam South bridge, using the freshly allotted funds, Mr. Eden said.
Vaduthala bridge
Another bridge project by the RBDCK that has gained impetus is the one at Vaduthala, for which ₹47 crore was allotted. Social impact assessment is under way for the two-lane bridge. Similarly, stakeholders are engaged in talks for either a bridge or an underpass at Vathuruthy. A consensus on the project is expected shortly, RBDCK sources said.
Vypeen bridges opened
In the meantime, Minister for Local Self-Governments A.C. Moideen inaugurated eight bridges that were built by Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) at Vypeen. He said that delay in completing projects and unjustified agitations hamper development projects and lead to cost escalation. The bridges encountered inordinate delay during the construction phase due to many reasons including problems associated with land acquisition for approach roads.
The old bridges that were present on the busy coastal route were too narrow, hampering steady and safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Mr. Moideen said that Kerala will be able to woo investors only if roads, bridges and transportation infrastructure are improved. This will in turn open up more job opportunities. It is with this in mind that waterway and coastal road projects have been taken up. Steps will be taken to ensure timely completion of all projects taken up by GIDA on the Goshree islands.
In his presidential address, S. Sarma, MLA, said that litigations involving land acquisition caused delays in opening the bridges located in a densely-populated region. K.V.Thomas, MP, was the chief guest.