Chottapalam bridge in Kasaragod linking two panchayats enters final phase of construction
The distance between Iriyanni and Kundamkuzhi will be reduced by one-third when the bridge is operational.
The distance between Iriyanni and Kundamkuzhi will be reduced by one-third when the bridge is operational.
The distance between Iriyanni and Kundamkuzhi will be reduced by one-third when the bridge is operational.
Iriyanni: The construction of Chottapalam bridge, which will be a major milestone in the development of the region when completed and operational, has reached its final stage. The distance between Iriyanni and Kundamkuzhi will be reduced to one-third when the bridge is open for traffic. The bridge is built using ₹18.3 crore that has been allotted from the KIFB. Works, including tarring, painting and paving interlock bricks on the approach roads, are yet to be completed.
Although the authorities had decided to inaugurate the bridge by the beginning of next month, before the local body elections, it was postponed as some more parts of the construction remain to be completed. Now, the bridge will be inaugurated only after the elections.
Chottapalam bridge has been constructed across the Payaswini River, connecting Mooliyar and Bedadukka panchayats. The 130-metre-long bridge is supported by five spans. The road, meanwhile, is 7.5-metre long and 11-metre wide with walkways on both sides. It would be easier to reach Kundamkuzhi in Thekkil – Alattil Road from Iriyanni in Bovikkanam – Kuttikol Road when the bridge is opened for the public. Currently, people travel from Iriyanni to Kundamkuzhi via Kuttikol or Cherkkala. Kundamkuzhi is 24 kilometres from Kuttikol, while it is 32 kilometres away from Cherkkala. One of the main advantages of the bridge is that the distance from Iriyanni to Kundamkuzhi would be reduced to just six kilometres.
Kundamkuzhi is just a kilometre away from the bridge and 900 metres to Iriyanni side. An approach road too has been constructed as part of the bridge. The road that is 10 metres wide has been arred upto 5.5 metres.
Chottapalam bridge has been a long-cherished dream of the people of the locality. There are people who have given up land up to one and a half acres, free of cost, for the construction of the bridge. Meanwhile, the construction has been done by Chattanchal Jasmine Constructions under the supervision of the Kerala Road Fund Board.
Narrow road causes trouble
The authorities, however, haven’t increased the width of the road from Iriyanni leading to the bridge. The width of the road from Kuttiyadukkam to Vellala in Iriyanni is at least 1.1 kilometres short of the required width. It might cause traffic blockades when the bridge is open for traffic. This road that passes through the forest area is just three metres wide. Meanwhile, it is eight metres wide as it approaches the bridge. As the bridge passes through the forest, It has not been able to increase its width.
Although KRFB has applied on the forest department’s Parivesh Portal for allotting land for widening the road, no action has been taken so far. Motorists can comfortably drive on this road only if its width is increased.