Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has sought the help of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)'s principal adviser E Sreedharan to strengthen the faulty Palarivattom flyover in Kochi.
As per the government's request, Sreedharan would inspect the Palarivattom flyover on June 17.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held talks with Sreedharan and appraised him of the current situation on Thursday. The government would take a decision on the future course of action for protecting the flyover after considering Sreedharan's recommendations too.
Minister for Public Works G Sudhakaran also was part of the discussions.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Professor Alagusundara, who prepared the expert report on maintenance works of the flyover, would also take part in the inspection. Sreedharan informed the government that he would study in detail the recommendations made in the report prepared by the IIT Madras.
The Metro Man had earlier said that maintenance works were not a long-lasting solution. Pointing out that the design of the flyover was faulty, Sreedharan said that the girders had to be replaced. He also said not enough diaphragm was used while joining girders, causing the bridge to tremble while heavy vehicles passed over it.
Ibrahim Kunju blames officials
Former PWD Minister V K Ibrahim Kunju has pinned the blame on the officials for the faulty construction of the flyover.
"The minister only gives approval for the construction of the flyover. It is for officials concerned to look into the amount of concrete and steel used for construction. If they have not done that, they are to be blamed. If there was any problem, they should inform the minister. But no such thing happened. Everybody has a moral responsibility with regard to the bridge," said Ibrahim Kunju, who is currently an MLA.
He further said that he would cooperate with the current probe. However, he dismissed Sreedharan's recommendation to rebuild the bridge. "Sreedharan will say many things. All of which is not possible," he reacted.
