Progress on Vallakadavu Bridge Construction
The existing Vallakadavu Bridge, over a century old, has been a point of contention and worry among local residents due to its deteriorating condition. The community has been vocal about the urgent need for renovation, with the Vallakadavu-Vayyamoola Action Council actively campaigning for government intervention. The bridge's precarious state was officially recognized after a survey by the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (Natpac) in August 1996 declared it an age-old structure .
Efforts to replace the bridge have been ongoing for over a decade, with administrative sanctions and plans periodically announced but not fully realized. Recently, the project received a significant push with an administrative sanction of ?39.80 crore, signaling a renewed focus on addressing this critical infrastructure need. The bridge is strategically important as it connects Thiruvananthapuram city with key coastal areas and the airport, underscoring the urgency of its refurbishment .
The High Court has also stepped in, directing the state government to expedite the land acquisition necessary for the new bridge's construction, highlighting the legal and civic pressures to advance this project .
In summary, the construction of the temporary bridge at Vallakadavu is a crucial development for the local community, promising improved safety and connectivity while the long-term solution of a new bridge is being finalized. This project reflects the government's response to public demand and legal directives, aiming to resolve a longstanding infrastructure challenge in Thiruvananthapuram.