Manappuram bridge to open soon.

Marking an end to the decades- long wait of devotees, the permanent foot bridge across the Periyar connecting Aluva town to the Manappuram is scheduled to be thrown open to the public on February 26.

According to Anwar Sadath, MLA, works on the project, which began in September last year, was completed in a record 108 days and Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was slated to inaugurate the bridge at a function to be held here on February 26. To be constructed with a plan fund of Rs.14 crore, the structure also marks the 100th bridge to be constructed by the State Public Works Department under its 400-days and 100 bridges programme.

“We have finished laying of tiles on the bridge’s platform while painting works are already half way through. The works will be completed well within the schedule,” the MLA said. The 200-meter long six metre-wide concrete beam bridge, spanning from the Aluva Kottarakkadavu with the Manappuram, will have a flight of steps on both its ends. The structure of the bridge has been built in such a way that water transport will not be disrupted under the bridge. The devotees had to make do with a temporary bridge during the Sivarathri season for the past six years with each time the cost coming to around Rs. 30 lakh.

As per estimates, around 10 lakh people visit the Manappuram as part of Sivarathri and Karkidaka Vavu festival every year.

The plan for a permanent bridge across Periyar was first mooted in 1995. However, the earlier plan to set up a hanging bridge across the river had to be shelved following opposition from various quarters.

THE HINDU