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The fate of the deteriorating Valiyathura bridge remains uncertain as the Kerala state budget has allocated only ?10 crore for its restoration—an amount deemed inadequate by the Kerala Maritime Board (KMB). A study by IIT Chennai estimates that at least ?20 crore is needed for the project. KMB Chairman N.S. Pillai confirmed that the board will seek additional funds from the state government to ensure timely completion. Beyond restoration, KMB envisions a larger redevelopment project for the Valiyathura area, potentially transforming it into a tourist or commercial hub under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. However, the state government has yet to approve this proposal. We need to finalize a revised detailed project report and obtain government approval before moving forward, Pillai stated. Further complicating the issue, the plan to restore the damaged Valiyathura sea pier under the Sagarmala scheme has been abandoned after the central government refused funding, citing a lack of revenue-generation potential. The Centre has asked the state to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before reconsidering its inclusion under the scheme. Delays in administrative approval and financial constraints have stalled any progress, despite ?5 crore being allocated for initial repairs. The Valiyathura bridge, a six-decade-old structure built during British rule for cargo ships, suffered severe damage due to sea erosion in 2021, weakening its pillars and raising safety concerns. While previous proposals suggested demolishing and reconstructing sections of the bridge, they were rejected to preserve its historical significance. |
