Bridge Linking Kottayam and Alappuzha Takes Shape with Steady Progress

### Quick Summary
– Construction of the Nerekadavu-Makkekadavu bridge over Vembanad Lake,connecting Kottayam and Alappuzha districts,is progressing.
– Public Works officials report that 62 out of 80 girders and 15 out of 22 spans are completed. Concreting of a 450 m stretch has been done.
– Approach road construction on the Nerekadavu side has started; work on the Makkekadavu side will begin after girder installation.
– Expected completion: End of 2025 or early 2026.
– Total bridge length: 800 m, with two navigation spans in the center (47.16 m each), footpaths (1.5 m wide), and approach roads (60 m long).
– Originally initiated in 2016 with an estimated completion time of 18 months,delays occurred due to issues in land acquisition and cost revisions.
– Revised estimate approved by Kerala’s Finance department in 2023; total project cost projected at ₹100 crore.
– the Thuravoor-Pampa highway connected by this bridge will link religious centers like Thuravoor temple, Vaikom, Ettumanur, Kaduthuruthy, and Erumely while connecting NH66 at Thuravoor and State Highway15 at Udayanapuram.

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### indian Opinion Analysis
The Nerekadavu-Makkekadavu bridge represents a crucial infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity between Kottayam and alappuzha districts through Vembanad Lake while promoting easier access to significant pilgrim hubs in kerala via the Thuravoor-Pampa highway. Despite considerable delays arising from land acquisition challenges and revised cost estimates following escalation concerns from construction firms-factors not uncommon in large infrastructure projects-the resumed progress sets positive expectations for regional advancement.

The projected ₹100 crore investment signals commitment toward improving key transport corridors vital for local economic growth as well as cultural integration owing to its religious relevance. If completed on schedule by early 2026 under current plans, it could deliver improved interstate travel options alongside enhanced tourism opportunities centered around heritage destinations across connected districts.Read More: