Now Reading: Kakkathuruthu bridge remains stalled 16 years after pillars rose
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Kakkathuruthu bridge remains stalled 16 years after pillars rose
Kakkathuruthu, a Vembanad Lake island in Alappuzha, still depends on two ferry services despite a bridge project whose pillars were erected in 2010. More than 1,000 people from around 250 families live…
The Story in Brief
Kakkathuruthu, a Vembanad Lake island in Alappuzha, still depends on two ferry services despite a bridge project whose pillars were erected in 2010. More than 1,000 people from around 250 families live on the island, which has only an anganwadi and a government Ayurveda hospital. Ferries run from 6 am to 9 pm, leaving late-night commuters and medical emergencies without a regular connection.
The New Indian Express reports that the bridge project has been held up by administrative procedures, although land acquisition is complete. The project received Rs 20 crore in the 2017-18 budget and later received KIIFB administrative sanction for Rs 33.144 crore, including Rs 5.22 crore for land acquisition. Residents also face poor roads, monsoon flooding and drinking-water shortages.
The Indian Opinion
The easy story is that a globally praised tourist destination needs a bridge for visitors. The harder truth is that islanders need dependable transport, healthcare access and safe water first. Claims that the project is close to completion should be judged against the physical record: only pillars have stood since 2010. The government’s next public update should give a construction start date and a clear account of the sanctioned Rs 33.144 crore.
Source: newindianexpress.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
