The Muvattupuzha old bridge, the oldest concrete bridge in the country, will soon get a major facelift. The 1.65-crore project renewal proposal made by the Archeology Department has got the nod.
The project got the government approval and tender procedures are in the final stages. The Department mainly aims to conserve the bridge as a complete archeological monument. A beautification process had been planned for the bridge by keeping all its archeological features intact, said MLA Joseph Vazhakkan.
The project mainly proposes to strengthen the bridge with a gentling process. As per the plan, all the pillars will be made strengthened. There is also a plan to set up a lighting system as part of the beautification work. There are two pipe lines of the Kerala Water Authority passing through the bridge, which will have to be removed. After completing the renovation work, a concise history of the bridge and the name of the engineer will be put up on the bridge.
“The government also has a plan to celebrate the centenary of the bridge, which was built in 1914 by British engineer W H Emarald. Seminars and exhibitions on various engineering topics are planned for the celebration,” said MLA Joseph Vazhakkan.
The preliminary discussions were held in this regard and a final decision will be taken after a detailed discussion with the Archeology Department and the state government, the MLA said.
People are demanding that the historic bridge be taken over by the Archeology Department. Many historians, academicians and visitors from across the state had expressed disappointment over the government’s apathy. Taking the public demand into account, Joseph Vazhakkan MLA had presented a submission in the Assembly on the takeover of the bridge. Taking the request into consideration, the state gave an assurance that the Department would take all measures to conserve the bridge. The state government has accorded 1.65-crore for a renewal project for the bridge.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has been entrusted with the renewal project.
The PWD is in the final stages of completing the tender procedures for the project.
The PWD officials said the tender procedures will be completed within two weeks and the proposed renovation work is expected to be launched this month. Once the work commences, it would be completed within six months, said the officials.