Paliyam Thuruth-Kadamakkudy Bridge Project Advances with Alignment Approval.

The proposed Paliyam Thuruth-Kadamakkudy bridge, aimed at providing direct connectivity between Moolampilly and Chattanad, has cleared a major administrative hurdle with the final approval of its alignment.

A high-level stakeholder meeting chaired by Vypeen MLA Tony Chammany at the headquarters of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) on Sunday approved the alignment plan for the project.

The approval resolves a key land-related issue, with nearly 7.5 cents of land required for the bridge alignment currently held by Kochi Water Metro. The revised plan allows the land to be transferred for bridge construction without affecting future expansion plans of the Water Metro.

Funded by Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and executed by Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB), the project is expected to transform connectivity across the Goshree island clusters.

For decades, the Kadamakkudy archipelago, despite being located close to mainland Kochi, remained geographically isolated, with residents relying largely on traditional country boats and ferry services. The limited connectivity affected local economic development and access to healthcare facilities during emergencies.

Two bridges — Moolampilly-Pizhala and Valiya Kadamakudy-Chatanad — have already been constructed to improve road connectivity between Moolampilly and Chathanad. The new project is expected to create a seamless mainland link, significantly reducing travel time between the northern suburbs and Kochi city.

Apart from improving daily commuting, the infrastructure project is expected to support the growth of aquaculture, traditional businesses and responsible tourism in Kadamakkudy, which has emerged as a popular backwater destination.

“A major obstacle for the bridge has been cleared. An agreement has been reached to hand over land owned by Kochi Water Metro for the bridge construction. With this, the region’s development and transport facilities are set to receive a major boost,” Chammany said.

With the alignment approved and inter-departmental clearances secured, officials said the land acquisition process will now gain momentum. Engineering schedules are also expected to be expedited to ensure construction begins without further delays.