A decade in the making, bridge linking Kottayam, Alappuzha set to open soon

Nearly a decade after work began, the Nerekadavu-Makkekadavu bridge linking Kottayam and Alappuzha districts is finally set to open, with authorities working to make it operational by mid-October.

The 800-metre-long bridge across Vembanad Lake connects Udayanapuram grama panchayat in Kottayam district with Thaikkattussery panchayat in Alappuzha district. Construction of the bridge has been completed while work is under way on the approach roads on either side and the retaining walls.

Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph, who reviewed the project the other day, said a decision on developing the connecting roads would be taken after discussions with the Public Works department (PWD) and Revenue Ministers. “The PWD has held discussions with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and finalised arrangements for laying electrical cables. Instructions have been issued to the KSEB to complete the work within five days, following which tarring of the approach roads will commence,” he said.