Rattling of Pappinissery Bridge in Kannur heightens public concern

Pappinissery: The Pappinissery railway overbridge is increasingly rattling with loud noise whenever heavy vehicles pass over it. The worn-out expansion joints binding the bridge slabs pose a growing safety hazard, while surface undulations caused by protruding iron sheets and rods are contributing to accidents during vehicular movement.

A major crack has developed across the bridge due to crumbling concrete, while potholes recently filled with micro concrete have begun to reopen. At night, commuters cross the bridge with apprehension in near-total darkness due to the absence of street lighting. The bridge’s pillars and underside also show visible signs of damage. Continued delays in maintenance are further increasing the risk of accidents

A team of senior officials, which inspected both the Pappinissery and Thaavam railway overbridges the other day, has been convinced about the extent of the damage. They will submit a comprehensive report to Public Works Secretary K Biju, based on which a decision will be taken. Although the bridge was closed for a week in December 2021 for maintenance to address the issue permanently, it proved ineffective. Just a month ago, the bridge was closed for three days to refill potholes.

Public protests against the bridge’s unscientific construction have been on since its inception in 2013. People are further concerned that it was the RDS Company, which constructed the controversial Palarivattom flyover in Kochi, which built the Thaavam and Pappinissery bridges as well. The fact that any substantial maintenance would require the closure of the busy KSTP Pappinissery–Pilathara Road only compounds the problem