Challangayam: Commuters are increasingly concerned about the deteriorating condition of the Thalamugar hanging bridge, which connects Dharmathadka Challangayam, Thamalamugar and Badoor Onibagilu.

On the 9th of this month, a 12-year-old student, Yousuf Rayees, son of Abdul Rahman, a teacher in Challangayam, sustained a leg injury when it got trapped in a broken step on the walkway. Yousuf is a student at Sheni SSUP School.

The bridge is a vital link for students travelling to Angadimugar, Sheni, Perla, Kattukkukke and Kumbala. Spanning the Shiriy River, any attempt to bypass it adds an extra 10 kilometres to their journey.

The walkway, rope, and protective wall are all damaged. Sections of the bridge where the cement has worn off are slippery. Many planks beneath the walkway are broken. The damaged step is located over a deep stretch of the river with a strong current.

An estimate for renovation was prepared in 2023. The district panchayat allocated ₹15 lakhs, and the Puthige panchayat contributed ₹2 lakhs. However, the renovation was stalled when it was pointed out that the total cost would be around ₹25 lakhs due to damage to the rope as well. The Kerala Electrical & Allied Engineering Company Ltd. (KEL) had taken up the contract.

Puthige panchayat president D Subanna Alwa stated that the panchayat cannot afford the project and that it can only be executed if the district administration or the disaster management authority provides assistance. The president further said that another company has been contacted for the renovation, and the status will be known only after they conduct an inspection.