Garbage choking the canal under the old Vallakadavu Bridge in Thiruvananthapuram. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Fluctuating land prices have reportedly delayed the reconstruction of the old Vallakadavu Bridge, a major structure that serves as a link between the city region and the coast as well as the domestic terminal of the Thiruvananthapuram airport.
In March this year, Finance Minister KN Balagopal informed the State Legislative Assembly that the Finance Department had approved a proposal for the reconstruction of the old bridge at a cost of ₹55.5 crore.
After almost nine months, the work has yet to start.
Currently, the old bridge over the TS channel is closed. Motorists use a temporary bridge built nearby. But it only has a narrow passage under it so that the water can flow. As a result, this section of the canal is now clogged with tons of garbage and water weeds.
Antony Raju, the MLA who initially raised the issue in the Assembly in March, told The Hindu that changes in land prices had delayed land acquisition. After the initial estimates were clarified, prices rose.
“We would need ₹5 crore more to acquire the land required for the approach roads on the east and west sides of the bridge. The proposal has been sent to the government for approval,” he said. “The work can be started after the approval,” he said.
Although small, the bridge is a vital link en route to the airport’s domestic terminal, Beemapally Dargah Shareef and tourist attractions such as Shangumugham Beach. Aratt processions from the Padmanabhaswamy temple on their way to Shangumugham traditionally take this route.
Aquatic weeds are clogging the TS canal towards the north of the temporary bridge at Vallakadav. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Meanwhile, removing the huge amount of garbage and water weeds from under the two bridges is also a problem for the authorities. Mr. Raju said that he had recently inspected the area along with the ward councilor and other authorities and that after removing the garbage, they were trying to find a suitable place to dump the garbage.
“Once the garbage is removed from the canal, we have to store it safely. The company does not have a suitable place nearby. After removal, the garbage cannot be stored in the open due to its proximity to the airport,” he said, referring to the possibility that it could attract birds, posing a threat to aircraft.
Since 1999, efforts have been made to rebuild the bridge, which is part of the National Waterway.
Published – 16 Nov 2025 20:34 IST
