Konathattu bridge opens putting an end to the traffic crisis in Kumarakom

Kumarakom: The Konathattu bridge in the Kottayam – Kumarakom – Cherthala route has been opened for traffic, putting a temporary end to the severe traffic congestion in the area in the last three years. The bridge is now open partially as the parallel road is still under construction.

Meanwhile, the private bus service that was conducted as Kottayam – Kumarakom and Kumarakom – Cherthala services until now has restarted as Kottayam – Cherthala service. KSRTC stated that a meeting would be held today to discuss about restarting the service via this bridge. 

The traffic through the bridge was opened by Minister VN Vasavan. District panchayat member KV Bindu and panchayat president Dhanya Saby travelled through the bridge to the other side.

The taxi car carrying tourists from Kumarakom was the first public vehicle to cross the bridge yesterday. It was then followed by bus and other vehicles. 1

Meanwhile, the people of the locality distributed laddoo and sweet treats to share their joy. However, VN Vasan said that he would have the laddoo only on the actual inauguration of the bridge. 

The route
Vehicles including buses from Kottayam to Vaikom, Cherthala, Konjumada and Attipeedika sides will turn at the Gurumandiram Road near the bridge. Meanwhile, the vehicles from Cherthala – Kumarakom side to Kottayam will pass through the Konathattu bridge. 

Areas under construction

• One side of the adjacent road (Attamangalam, Gurumandiram sides) need to be levelled with sand.
• Tarring works are yet to be completed on the bridge as well as the adjacent roads.
• The construction of the safety walls on both sides of the adjacent paths.

The authorities said that all the construction works may be completed by November 30 if the weather is favourable. 

Bus service
The buses from Kottayam to Vaikom and Cherthala will cross the bridge and board the passengers from the bus bay. Meanwhile, the buses running in Attipeedika and Konjumada routes will stop at Market Junction to deboard passengers.

They will enter the bus bay on their return journey and proceed to Kottayam. 38 private buses operate services on the Kumarakom route.