Work on Manappuram Foot Overbridge Progressing Fast.

The much-awaited permanent foot overbridge across the Periyar, connecting Aluva town with Manappuram is progressing fast, and is expected to be completed much before the scheduled deadline.

Work on the overbridge started on September 15, 2015, and is scheduled to be completed in 12 months. The project moved closer to the finishing line when PWD Minister V K Ibrahimkunju inaugurated the final concreting work the other day.

Going by the current progress of the work, it is estimated that the project would be completed before the auspicious ‘Sivaratri’ Festival, benefiting the large number of devotees who throng the Siva Temple at Manappuram.

The foot-overbridge is being constructed by Seguro Foundations and Structures, in association with INKEL which is Kerala’s PPP-model infrastructure development company.

'Unlike in the case of the other bridges, the structural design of the Manappuram bridge was prepared by the implementing company itself,” said the authorities. According to Anwar Sadat MLA, the 200-metre long and six-metre wide concrete beam bridge, being constructed at a cost of Rs. 14 crore, has flight of steps on both ends.

“The State Government has allocated Rs. 14 crore for the bridge from its Plan fund, which links Kottarakkadavu and Manappuram. The concreting work of the bridge was completed in a record time of 108 days. Tile laying, construction of handrails on both sides and painting are some of the main works to be completed before the formal inauguration,” he said.

The project has been planned in such a manner that it would not upset water transportation below the bridge.

Once commissioned, the bridge is expected to benefit around 10 lakh devotees visiting Manappuram for the Sivarathri and ‘Karkidaka Vavu’ rituals every year.

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS