Kochi's Perandoor-Vaduthala Bridge Construction Commences with Rs 34.24 Crore Approval
Construction of the highly anticipated Perandoor–Vaduthala bridge in Kochi has officially commenced on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for the city's infrastructure development. This crucial project, which has been a long-standing demand from local residents, finally kicked off after the state government granted a revised administrative sanction of Rs 34.24 crore.
A Vital Shortcut to Alleviate Traffic Congestion
The bridge is designed to serve as a vital shortcut, seamlessly connecting the Pachalam-Vaduthala areas to Perandoor. This new link is expected to play a pivotal role in significantly decongesting traffic heading towards the city center, offering much-needed relief to commuters and residents alike.
T J Vinod, MLA, provided detailed insights into the project's progress: "The initial estimate of Rs 32.33 crore was adjusted due to the transition from the 2018 Delhi Schedule of Rates to the 2021 standards. With all technical sanctions firmly in place and the tendering process successfully completed, work has now begun, starting with piling operations on the Perandoor side."
Revised Alignment and Comprehensive Budget Allocation
The total project budget of Rs 34.24 crore encompasses Rs 10 crore specifically allocated for land acquisition and utility shifting. As per the revised alignment, a total of 34 cents in Perandoor and 55 cents in Vaduthala have been acquired to facilitate the construction.
Furthermore, the project has secured all necessary clearances, including crucial Coastal Regulation Zone approvals, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and paving the way for uninterrupted progress.
Detailed Specifications and Additional Connectivity Plans
The bridge will span 153.60 meters in length and 11 meters in width, featuring three main spans—two measuring 25.70 meters and one at 26 meters—along with six land spans of 12.5 meters each. It will include a carriageway of 7.50 meters and 1.5-meter footpaths on both sides for pedestrian safety.
Approach roads measuring 60 meters at the Vaduthala side and 55 meters at the Perandoor side will be constructed, complemented by dedicated service roads to enhance accessibility and traffic flow.
In addition to the main project, a separate Rs 5 crore proposal has been submitted to connect the Vaduthala approach road to Chinmaya Road. This proposal includes Rs 3 crore for land acquisition and has received initial budgetary approval, further expanding the bridge's connectivity and benefits to the surrounding areas.
The commencement of this infrastructure project represents a major step forward in addressing Kochi's traffic challenges and improving urban mobility, fulfilling a critical need for the community.
