Nayarthode bridge in Malappuram is the latest tourist attraction that offers amazing sunset views

Tirur: The setting sun casts a crimson glint over the dancing waves on the Tirur Lake while the flowing evening clouds and the small fishing boats anchored in the water look straight out of an impressionist painting.

These are some of the magnificent evening views offered to those who are crossing the Nayarthode bridge on foot. The scintillating Tirur Lake flows through the heart of Purathoor panchayat with Kavilakkad and Padinjarekkara on both sides. Nayarthode bridge has been built to connect Kavilakkad with Padinjarekkara.

The construction of the bridge is 90 percent completed. Although vehicles are not allowed on the bridge, pedestrians can enter the bridge via a temporary arrangement. Visitors have been swarming the bridge to enjoy the mesmerizing sunset views. 

Most people may have watched beautiful sunsets in beaches, however, here, you could witness the blazing sun disappearing behind the coconut plantation in the west, spreading crimson over the lake. The bright red sky from the south west to the north west could be viewed from the bridge. Besides, you could also catch a glimpse of the fishing boats speeding across the lake.

Meanwhile, the Nayarthode bridge too boasts of architectural perfection with a bowstring girder in perfect arch in the centre. This arch is painted in rainbow hues to add a dash of colour. Now, the evenings are crowded here, with people pouring in to enjoy the beautiful sunsets. A few houses in the vicinity have turned their sit outs and courtyards into small shops that sell snacks and refreshment.

The people of the locality hope that this area too would become a major tourism spot in the district along with Padinjarekkara tourism beach, when the bridge is opened.   

Woe for land owners?
The area might gain fame for beautiful evening views when the bridge is opened, but the construction of the approach road is likely to cause trouble for some. Although the land for the construction has been identified, the owners still haven’t received the compensation. This is also the reason why the inauguration of the bridge is getting delayed. The approach road is 25 metres wide, and 25 persons need to hand over their lands. Meanwhile, Puthiyakath Subair and Mappala Krishnadas will lose not only their land but their houses too.

Two cents out of the four cents owned by Subair is required for the road construction. Hence, he will only receive the compensation for the two cents that is taken for the road. But, it is impossible to build a new house in the remaining two cents of land. Although the owners were promised Rs 2 – 3 lakh per cent in the beginning, they say that now they wouldn’t get even that. 

Meanwhile, the land owners have been summoned for a meeting on October 17 in the collector’s chamber. The registration will be completed swiftly if the demands of the owners are agreed in this meeting. The construction of the approach road would be completed and the bridge would be opened soon. 

Features of the bridge
The Nayarthode bridge is 432 metres long and 11 metres wide. The walkway is 1.5 metres wide. 

There are eight spans of eight metres and a bowstring girder of 55 metres in the centre.

The approach road will be 170 metres long in the Kavilakkad side and 160 metres in Padinjarekkara side. 

The bridge has been constructed for Rs 47 crore while Rs 5 crore is allotted for the construction of the approach road.