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Travelers in central Kerala can finally enjoy a smoother journey as the Mulanthuruthy rail overbridge (RoB) opens to traffic on Tuesday. This long-awaited project, which began in 2013, faced several delays due to land acquisition issues and the lengthy tendering process.
A Much-Needed Solution for Traffic Congestion
The opening of the RoB is a major relief for daily commuters and those traveling to Kochi airport. The bridge, built at a cost of Rs 20.77 crore, is expected to ease traffic congestion and reduce long waiting times at the railway crossing. It spans 450 meters, including approach roads, and has a 7.5-meter-wide carriageway along with a 1.5-meter-wide footpath on one side. Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas will inaugurate the bridge at 3 pm on Tuesday, marking an important milestone in the region's infrastructure development.
Challenges Faced During Construction
The construction of the RoB was not smooth. George Mani, vice-president of Mulanthuruthy grama panchayat, explained that land acquisition was a major challenge. Some landowners went to court over compensation disputes, delaying the project. Several rounds of discussions were held to resolve the issue, and after many attempts, a consensus was finally reached.
Initially, the bridge was set to be completed by June 30, 2024, to help thousands of Sabarimala pilgrims traveling through the Chottanikara Devi temple. However, due to slow progress, the completion was delayed. The railway gate (level cross 12) on the busy Ernakulam-Kottayam section had been causing frequent traffic blocks, making travel difficult, especially for air passengers.
Overcoming Tendering Delays
The land acquisition process was completed in September 2019, but the next challenge was finding a contractor. According to Maryamma Benny, grama panchayat president, the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala (RBDCK) had to float tenders multiple times before M/s Cherian Varkey Constructions Co Pvt Ltd finally took up the work.
The Mulanthuruthy RoB is a symbol of determination and teamwork between the community and officials. Its completion provides much-needed relief from heavy traffic and long delays. With this new bridge, travel in central Kerala is now more convenient, efficient, and hassle-free for everyone.
