A ‘navika palam’ (Naval bridge) connecting the Cheriya Kadamakudy island to Pizhala, providing much needed connectivity to the islanders, was opened by Vice Admiral A.K. Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, on Monday.
The steel arch bridge, which is three-metre-wide and 49-metre-long and completely metallic, was constructed at a cost of ₹40.45 lakh in six months. The bridge will be able to take vehicles of up to three tonnes with a vertical clearance of 2.35 metres. “It has a guaranteed life of five years, but can last over 20 years with dedicated annual maintenance, periodic painting and inspection,” a release said.
Vice Admiral Chawla expressed his delight in being able to deliver on the promise made and said it was a privilege for the Navy to be of service to the residents of Cheriya Kadamakudy and that it was a fitting gift for the people during Onam.
The bridge was promised to be constructed by the Southern Naval Command, to connect the island with the mainland as the only other existing bridge was in a dilapidated state and declared unfit by the PWD.