ALUVA:Work has begun on the Sree Sankara Bridge at Kalady to repair the crack that developed yesterday, after a concrete slab broke off it.
An all-party meeting, presided over by the District Collector, yesterday had decided to start the repair works on Sunday itself, considering the 15-day deadline set for the completion of the works.
It was also decided at the meeting that vehicles, except two-wheelers, would not be allowed to ply on the bridge until the repair works are completed.
“At the meet, it was decided to draft an estimate for the renovation of the existing bridge and for the construction of a new bridge, and present it to the Chief Minister on September 24,” said Jose Thettayil MLA.
“The new bridge will ideally run parallel to the existing Sree Sankara bridge, with one end at Mattoor and other at Thannippuzha. Those living on both sides of the river, including MLAs, panchayat members, had been staying united for such a bridge from the day-one. The only persons who would oppose the construction of the bridge are those with vested interests, and those in power,” he said.
“All decisions on the construction of the new bridge will be taken only after the report is presented to the Chief Minister,” he added.
In view of the scuffle that occurred during the protest launched by political parties after the bridge got damaged, it was also decided at the meeting that all political outfits would call off the strike for the time being.
A concrete slab had cracked off the Sree Sankara bridge on Saturday, creating a furore and leaving commuters stuck on the road for hours.Political parties and local residents had been demanding the construction of a new bridge. However, the proposal remained on paper, due to the bickering of the Left and Right parties over the alignment of the bridge and its design.