KOCHI: In a major boost to the residents of Elammakkara and Perandoor region in Kochi, the Public Works Department (PWD) will kick off the preliminary works of the long proposed Perandoor-Vaduthala bridge very soon.
The PWD has already called tenders for the soil test for the construction Of Perandoor-Vaduthala Bridge across Perandoor Canal. This comes in the wake of the government giving the green signal for the proposed design of the bridge. Though the administrative sanction was accorded nearly two years ago, several technical issues had put the progress of the project at a snail’s pace.
Survey of the project began in 2012 and the location of the road and end points had been decided Owing to the paucity of the funds especially for land acquisition, the project was brought to a halt. Six months ago, the PWD had sanctioned `5 crore for the project. “But the amount is not enough. Initially, we were of the opinion that land acquisition would be minimal.
However, after the survey, it was concluded that more funds were required. We are planning to hold a meeting with the Public Works Department Minister soon. A total of `10 crore is required for the construction of the 80 metre long bridge alone. Another few crores would be required for the land acquisition which has to begin soon,” he said. Now that the PWD has decided to go ahead with the soil test, LA measures have to be done immediately.
The approach road of the bridge will be connected from a vacant plot near Chinmaya Vidyalaya at Vaduthala. Since the rest of the plots where the bridge will be constructed is private land, land acquisition is mandatory. Once the bridge is constructed, travel time between Vaduthala and Perandoor will be decreased. At present people have to pass Pottakuzhy Road and Perandoor Road to reach Elamakkara from Vaduthala. This could prevent unncessary traffic in the route.
“The design for the bridge was completed and submitted to the government. It was only recently that the design was approved. Based on this, we have decided to go ahead with the soil testing works. The tender has been called and after a bidder is decided for the work, further works will begin.