The city of Kochi is on the brink of a significant transformation in its transportation landscape, with a series of crucial bridge projects poised to commence construction in the coming weeks. These developments promise to dramatically improve connectivity, slash travel distances, and decongest key city routes, marking a major infrastructure push for the district.
Imminent Start for Three Crucial Links
Authorities have confirmed that work on three vital bridges is expected to begin within a very short timeframe. These include the Kumbalam-Thevara bridge, the Pizhala-Kadamakkudy bridge, and the Vaduthala railway overbridge (ROB). The Vaduthala ROB is under the purview of the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala (RBDCK), which has already completed soil tests and is finalizing the bridge design. This ROB is specifically aimed at enhancing connectivity between the northern and southern sectors of the city.
The other two projects are being implemented by the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB). Officials state that land acquisition for the approach roads is in its final stages, clearing the last hurdle for work to begin. "We have revised the estimate for Kumbalam-Thevara bridge to Rs 80 crore and submitted it to KIIFB. The tender will be issued within days of receiving approval," a KRFB official revealed.
Progress on Other Key Projects
Beyond the imminent starts, two other bridge projects have crossed major milestones. The construction of a main pillar for the long-pending Munambam-Azheekode bridge has recently begun after the resolution of land acquisition issues on the Munambam side. This bridge, part of the proposed coastal highway, will span 868.7 meters with a width of 15.7 meters, facilitating easier travel between Ernakulam and Thrissur districts.
Meanwhile, piling work for the Kumbalangi-Keltron ferry bridge is advancing rapidly. Land-based piling is complete, and backwater piling is currently underway. An official confidently stated that the construction will be finished within 15 months. This bridge will connect Kumbalangi in Ernakulam to Aroor in Alappuzha, providing a much shorter route to NH 66 for several island communities.
Transformative Impact on Travel and Congestion
The collective impact of these five projects will be substantial for Kochi's residents and commuters:
- The Kumbalam-Thevara bridge is projected to reduce the travel distance between the two regions by nearly 10 kilometers, cutting travel time by approximately 30 minutes. It will offer residents of Kumbalam, Aroor, Nettoor, and Thevara quicker access without needing to pass through the crowded city center.
- The Kumbalangi-Keltron bridge will significantly shorten travel from the Kumbalangi region to NH 66, improving access to areas like Chellanam, Kannamali, Ezhupunna, Vyttila, and Kundannoor.
- The Vaduthala ROB will streamline north-south movement within the city, while the Munambam-Azheekode bridge will boost inter-district connectivity.
With these projects moving from the planning to the execution phase, Kochi is set to receive a much-needed and comprehensive connectivity upgrade that will address long-standing traffic woes and support the region's future growth.
