A decade in the making, the bridge connecting Kottayam, Alappuzha will open soon

Almost a decade after work began, the Nerekadavu-Makkekadavu bridge connecting Kottayam and Alappuzha districts is finally opening, with authorities working to make it operational by mid-October.

The 800 meter long bridge across the Vembanad Lake connects Udayanapuram grama panchayat in Kottayam district with Thaikkattussery panchayat in Alappuzha district. The construction of the bridge has been completed and work is underway on the access roads on both sides and the retaining walls.

Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph, who reviewed the project the other day, said the decision to build link roads would be taken after discussions with the Public Works Department (PWD) and revenue ministers. “The PWD held talks with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and finalized arrangements for laying electric cables. Instructions were issued to the KSEB to complete the work within five days, after which tarring of the approach roads would begin,” he said.

Earlier target

The earlier goal was to complete all work, including tarring, by September 30. However, due to the prevailing circumstances, a few more days will be needed, the minister said.

The Irrigation Department has also decided to undertake a study of the section of access road running along the canal. “Based on the study, an estimate will be prepared and additional funds will be allocated accordingly,” Mr. Joseph said.

He also directed the officials to take immediate steps to develop the road connecting Vaikom-Ernakulam road with Nerekadavu-Makkekadavu bridge.

Vaikom MLA K. Binimon said efforts are on to open the bridge to traffic by mid-October.

A shorter route

The bridge was built at a cost of ₹ 93.35 crore as part of the second phase of the Thuravoor-Pampa road project and is expected to provide a shorter route between Thuravoor in Alappuzha and Vaikom in Kottayam district and improve connectivity to Kochi. It is 11.23 meters wide and has 22 fields.

Work on the bridge began in 2016 with an initial completion date of 18 months. However, the project stalled midway due to delays in acquiring land for access roads on both sides.

Although the land acquisition was completed by 2022 on the Kerala High Court’s directive, the contractor has sought a revision of the project estimate citing cost escalation. The finance department approved the revised estimate last year, taking the total cost of the project to ₹93.35 crore.

Published – 26 Sep 2026 20:10 IST