
Karnataka has issued a No Objection Certificate for the Bairakuppa Bridge over the Kabani river, connecting Perikkalloor in Kerala’s Wayanad with Bairakuppa in Kodagu. Kerala Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer said the…
Karnataka has issued a No Objection Certificate for the Bairakuppa Bridge over the Kabani river, connecting Perikkalloor in Kerala’s Wayanad with Bairakuppa in Kodagu. Kerala Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer said the approval followed his discussion with Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on August 5.
The foundation stone was laid 36 years ago, while the Union government approved the proposal in principle in 2002. Kerala’s approach road is complete, but Karnataka must finish its adjoining road, secure land and obtain environmental clearances. The bridge could provide an alternative route to Mysuru and Bengaluru, avoiding night travel restrictions on NH-766 through Bandipur. The minister said it could cut the Bengaluru to Sultan Bathery distance by 40 km.
Claims that the bridge will immediately transform travel are premature. Karnataka’s NOC removes one hurdle, but the adjoining road, land acquisition and environmental clearances still stand between approval and daily use. The project’s real value will depend on construction timelines and whether the alternative route remains practical during peak traffic. The first number to watch is the promised 40 km reduction, measured after the full road link opens.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.