Alappuzha's travel woes deepen as district court bridge demolition worsens traffic

Alappuzha: Commuters in Alappuzha are facing mounting travel woes after the demolition of the District Court bridge for reconstruction, with journeys that were once simple now taking longer and costing more.

Those travelling to the northern end of the canal are struggling to access key locations such as the bus stand, general hospital, medical college hospital, and collectorate. Conversely, commuters headed towards YMCA, the private bus stand, KSRTC bus stand, Mullakkal, and nearby areas are finding it equally difficult to reach the district court, taluk office, mini civil station, RDO office, and several schools located on the northern side.

The narrow bylane near the SDV Government LP School, stretching up to the canal, remains congested with vehicles from early morning until late at night. Authorities have failed to put in place an effective alternative mechanism, despite the bridge's importance, beyond constructing a temporary bund by filling the canal near the old outpost and a narrow road through the city square. No action has been taken even as protests intensify across various quarters over worsening traffic conditions.

The demand of traders, temple authorities, and residents’ associations for a temporary transport facility between the YMCA bridge and the demolished district court bridge, especially in view of the forthcoming Chirappu and Kidangamparambu festivals, has gone unheeded.

Hardship for people
The KSRTC bus along the Muhamma and Thannermukkam route operates from the SDV School between 7 am and 6 pm. However, this is known only to regular passengers. Others, after waiting in vain at the KSRTC bus stand, inquire about the missing bus. They are then forced to reach the SDV School either on foot or by autorickshaw.

Burning a hole through the pocket of Kuttanad natives
Residents of Kuttanad who used to alight at the Mata boat jetty are among the worst affected. Earlier, they could board buses directly from the jetty to reach any part of the city. Now, they are forced to walk long distances or rely on autorickshaws to continue their journey.

Despite repeated appeals, authorities have not approved the demand for a temporary transport link between the YMCA bridge and the demolished District Court bridge. Given the severe inconvenience faced by commuters, developing an interim road through the city square has become essential. However, the municipality’s promise to put such a mechanism in place remains unfulfilled. The Public Works Department has shown little interest in addressing the problem, and the contractor executing the bridge reconstruction is also unlikely to step in.

Alternative system to be found
An alternative system to the district court bridge should be implemented before the Mullakkal-Kidangamparambu festival, demanded the All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association. A meeting of the association observed that the number of visitors to Mullakkal, a prominent commercial hub of Alappuzha, has plummeted since the bridge construction began. M P Gurudayal presided over the meeting, while Alleppy Mohan, Roy Palathra, Aby Thomas, K Nasar, and Naseer Punnakkal spoke.