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The Thottappally Naluchira bridge, constructed using modern technology, is a prestigious project of the State, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said. He was speaking after inaugurating the Naluchira bridge, Kerala’s first extradosed cable-stayed bridge. “This marks the realisation of a long-cherished dream of the people here,” the Chief Minister said. The bridge was completed at a cost of ₹60.73 crore. It holds the distinction of being the first extradosed cable-stayed bridge in the State. The cable-stayed design involves the use of special types of cables to support the bridge deck. For the people of Naluchira, who until now depended on boats to travel, the bridge is a great relief. It has also reduced the travel time to the town and the national highway by about 15 minutes. Shaped like a bird’s wing, the elegant structure is expected to become a new attraction for tourists, Mr. Vijayan said. The bridge has been constructed across the leading channel of the National Waterway near Kottaravalavu, strictly adhering to National Waterway standards. To ensure that water transport remains unobstructed, a 70-m-long central span has been built without any supporting pillars in the middle of the waterway. The total length of the bridge is 458 m. It has 1.5-m-wide walkways on both sides. Connecting National Highway 66 and the Ambalappuzha-Thiruvalla State Highway, the bridge will serve as a parallel route to the national highway from Karumadi to Thottappally Kottaravalavu. Viewing area A specially designed viewing area has been created at the centre of the bridge alongside the walkway, which serves as one of its main attractions. Fisheries and Culture Minister Saji Cherian presided. H. Salam, MLA, District Collector Alex Varghese, Ambalapuzha block panchayat president Sheeba Rakesh and others attended the function.
