Looking at the bridge of Naluchira over the leading channel Karutta near Thottappuzha. | Photo Credit: Suresh Alleppey
The construction of the Naluchira bridge over the Karutta leading channel near Thotappally, Alappuzha, was completed. The first extracted cable bridge, built at the price of Rs. 60.73 Crore, traffic will soon be open.
Officials said on Wednesday that Keltron would complete the electrification work on the bridge by the end of March.
Naluchira is an area without the main road connectivity. Currently, the inhabitants of Illichira and Naluchira have crossed the canal using a ferry to reach the national highway (NH 66) through Kottaravalava. Once the bridge is open, AmbbalAppuzha-Thirvvalla State Highway and NH 66 will combine, which means a new chapter in the development of the region. In addition to improving regional connectivity, it will serve as a parallel path to NH 66. The bridge will also facilitate the transport of agricultural products, including harvested paddy, from the areas in the areas of ThotAppalply and Karuvatta on the road and is expected to contribute to the growth of the Alappuzha tourist sector.
The Naluchira Bridge, constructed using a combination of preset box beams and cable disabilities, is 458 meters long and 11.2 m wide. Another span was built – two measurements of 42 m, another two out of 24.5 m, 17 measures 12 and two from 19.8 m.
Although the construction of the bridge was designed a few years ago, the project could not be materialized after the Union’s government originally rejected approval, referring to the National Aquatic Transport Act. Later, the center granted a permission to position the bridge seven meters above the water surface.
The construction of the bridge was approved during the possession of G. Sudharan as a minister of public works in the first government of Pinarayi Vijayan. Quantity of Rs. 38 CRORE was sanctioned as part of the Board of Directors for the Investment Fund of Keral (KIIFB). After the interventions of AmbbalAppuzha MLA H. Salam, the current democratic leading government revised the project costs to ensure its completion. Kiifb nod for a revised estimate was received last year. The bridge was built under the Aegis of Kerala Road Fund.
