Kochi: The government has approved ₹2.90 crore project to strengthen the Venduruthy Bridge as part of plans to develop the area into a tourist destination. The project aims to convert the bridge into a food street and tourism hub, an idea first announced by Tourism Minister P A Mohammed Riyas during a tourism seminar organised by Malayala Manorama in Kochi in June 2022.

Following the announcement, the Public Works Department (PWD) was instructed to inspect the bridge. The inspection revealed structural weaknesses, after which the department prepared an estimate for strengthening work. The government sanctioned the project after it was cleared by the PWD’s working group.

"Strengthening the bridge is the major part of the project to develop the Venduruthy bridge into a heritage tourism destination," said Ernakulam MLA T J Vinod. "A project to set up a food street on the bridge was approved earlier. The tourism project could be implemented once the strengthening work of the bridge is completed," he added.

Kumar Group has created the design for the food street. As per the design, visitors would be able to enjoy various delicacies and soak in the natural beauty of the place by sitting on the bridge. The Rock Island bridge at Kansas City in the US has been developed on a similar model.

Venduruthy bridge was constructed by Robert Britow, who created the Kochi port, and the structure played a major role in the growth of Kochi city. Traffic along the Venduruthy bridge was restricted after a parallel bridge was constructed in 2011.