Repair work on the Aluva Marthandavarma old bridge has been completed, but the bridge remains closed to traffic pending permission from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), according to the contract company’s engineers. The bridge can be reopened once the authority grants clearance, with only the removal of traffic barrels and cones remaining at the entrance.
The completed work includes applying grease to the bearings beneath the bridge, clearing overgrown vegetation from its sides and pillars, and washing the structure using a pressure pump. The cleaning and maintenance activities were carried out as part of the repairs needed before traffic can resume.
Contract company personnel are now waiting for NHAI officials to inspect or approve the completed work. The engineers told Malayala Manorama that the bridge is ready to be opened at any time after the required permission is issued. No reopening time has been announced yet.
The bridge repairs also faced a delay involving an epoxy bonding agent brought to the site for the work. Bags containing the material were held at a courier office in Thrissur by Goods and Services Tax officials over a discrepancy related to the GST number. The material was required for the repair work, and the contractor reportedly faced difficulty securing its release.
Anwar Sadath, the local MLA, learned about the issue while visiting the Desam-Paravur bridge on Saturday to review repair work. He contacted GST officials by phone regarding the detained material. The bags were released unconditionally on Monday, allowing the contractor to continue the work.
The contract company had considered stopping the repair work and leaving the site if the epoxy bonding agent was not released, the report said. Such a stoppage would have extended the disruption faced by people using the bridge. With the material now available and the maintenance activities completed, the remaining step is the NHAI’s approval for reopening.
The Aluva Marthandavarma old bridge is part of the local road network serving movement across the Aluva area. Until the authority issues clearance, traffic restrictions at the bridge entrance will remain in place. The contract company has indicated that traffic can resume once NHAI permission is received and the barriers are removed.
