Construction of Naluchira bridge nears completion

Once opened the Naluchira bridge will improve regional connectivity and will serve as a parallel route to NH 66

The construction of the Naluchira bridge across Karuvatta Leading Channel near Thottappally in Alappuzha is nearing completion. Touted as the State’s first extradosed cable-stayed bridge, it will add a new chapter in the development of the region.

H. Salam, MLA who reviewed the progress of the project recently said the final phase work was progressing and the bridge would be opened to traffic in two months. “The tarring work of the approach roads on both sides of the bridge up to the riverbank has been completed. Approach roads have been constructed using bituminous macadam bituminous concrete (BMBC) method,” Mr. Salam said, adding that the bridge would ensure better connectivity to agricultural zones of Karuvatta and Purakkad grama panchayats.

The bridge, constructed using a combination of pre-stressed box girders and cable-stayed technology, is 458 metres long and 11-m wide. It features a 70-m central span without any piers in the river. Additional spans have been built- two measuring 42 m, another two of 24.5 m, 17 measuring 12 m and two of 19.8 m.

Though the construction of the bridge was mooted a few years ago, the project could not be materialised after the Union government initially denied the nod, citing the National Waterways Act. Later, the Centre granted permission to construct the bridge seven metres above the water level.

The construction of the bridge was approved when G. Sudhakaran was the Public Works Minister during the first Pinarayi Vijayan government. An amount of priya il₹38 crore was sanctioned under the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). To complete the construction, the present Left Democratic Front government revised the project cost to ₹54. 96 crore. The KIIFB nod for the revised estimate was received last year.

Once opened the Naluchira bridge will improve regional connectivity. It will serve as a parallel route to National Highway 66. Travellers can turn east from Kottaravalavu and cross the Naluchira bridge to reach the under-construction Kottaravalavu bypass. From there, people could quickly reach places such as Karumadi Junction and Thiruvalla.

The bridge will also facilitate the transportation of agricultural products from paddy fields in the Thottappally and Karuvatta regions by road.