Vizhinjam: The bridge that was destroyed at the construction site of Vizhinjam project during the recent storm was built after considerable effort. Huge rocks were deposited in the sea for the foundation over which concrete was laid. Steel pillars and platform were built over this foundation. The approach bridge came up above this structure. It took over a month for completing this task.
It was along this bridge that trucks carrying concrete and other construction materials for piling travelled. According to authorities of AFCONS, which is in charge of the work, 346 of the total 635 piles planned are in place. However, the deadline for completing this work was coming January, which is unlikely to be met.
Another setback was that a large section of the supporting wall (pulimutt) on the sea coast has also been washed away. It is estimated that half of the 600-m wall has now been destroyed.
Storms have also destroyed about 30 per cent of the area recovered from the sea for the work, according to authorities.
The work site had suffered serious damage during Ockhi cyclone also. Authorities said that the loss caused by the latest incidents amount to crores of rupees.
