Thiruvananthapuram: The long-delayed reconstruction of the Vallakadavu bridge has received a major boost, with the govt granting a revised administrative sanction of Rs 59.20 crore, clearing the way for the project to move into its construction phase. The approval has revived hopes among thousands of commuters and residents awaiting a permanent replacement for the ageing bridge, which was declared unsafe.The project involves building a new bridge across the Parvathy Puthanar canal on the Vallakadavu–Valiyathura Road, a key corridor linking Thiruvananthapuram city with the coastal region and the international airport. The existing bridge, more than 130 years old, was shut to traffic in 2022 after structural inspections found it unsafe. Commuters have since relied on a temporary bridge built alongside the old structure.The project saw repeated delays over the years due to land acquisition procedures, revised estimates and rising construction costs. With the administrative sanction now in place, PWD is expected to begin the tender process, paving the way for construction to start.A senior PWD officer said the department is focused on completing procedural formalities quickly. “The revised administrative sanction has enabled us to move the project to the next stage. We expect the tender process to begin shortly, and once it is completed, construction activities can commence. The new bridge will considerably improve connectivity and traffic flow in this part of the capital,” the officer said.The proposed 500m bridge is expected to improve connectivity between Vallakadavu, Valiyathura, Shanghumugham and Thiruvananthapuram city, while easing access to the international airport. It is also expected to reduce congestion on the temporary bridge, which has carried traffic since the old structure’s closure.Human rights activist and Citizen Council Ananthapuri president Ragam Rahim welcomed the govt’s decision to grant the revised sanction, calling it a significant step towards fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people of Vallakadavu and the neighbouring coastal region.Rahim said local residents, traders, commuters and various organisations would hold a public reception at Vallakadavu on Aug 8 to mark the govt’s decision to move forward with the long-pending project.
