Pallickal: The long-awaited Cherukunnam Kanjirathumkadavu Bridge has remained nothing more than a promise on paper, with the land acquisition and site inspection for the project ultimately going in vain.

 The Public Works Department had submitted an estimate of ₹8.23 crores for government approval, but the proposal was eventually shelved citing lack of funds. Following memorandums submitted by Adoor MLA Chittayam Gopakumar and Kunnathoor MLA Kovoor Kunjumon to the Public Works Minister, the bridge proposal found a place in the State Budget in 2018 with an allocation of ₹6 crores. However, except for a survey in 2022 and the laying of boundary stones, no significant progress has been made since.

The fact that the estimate was set aside and no funds were available came to light in a recent response to a complaint filed by Ramanujan Kartha, a native of Pallickal,  regarding the delay. This revelation has further dampened the hopes of the people, who now demand to know what became of the ₹6 crores allocated in the Budget.

Following a survey survey, boundary stones were laid for an 11-metre-long, 21-metre-wide bridge across the Pallickal River from Cherukunnam via Villadswami Temple. Local residents now feel disheartened to see these preliminary works going futile.

With no bridge in place, locals are forced to travel several extra kilometres, depending on either the Aanyadi Bridge or the Chathakkulam Bridge to reach the other side. This detour continues to cause great hardship.

A bridge here would have brought lasting relief, but with those who once took the initiative now silent, residents remain confused and uncertain about what lies ahead.