Valiyathura Bridge Restoration Delayed Due to Budget Shortfall in Kerala
The restoration of the dilapidated Valiyathura Bridge in Kerala is facing significant delays, primarily due to insufficient funding allocated in the state budget. While the Kerala Maritime Board (KMB) has received just Rs 10 crore for the restoration, the actual cost, according to a study by IIT Chennai, is estimated to be at least Rs 20 crore. This shortfall has raised concerns over whether the project can proceed as planned, with the KMB now seeking additional funds from the state government to ensure its timely completion.
The Valiyathura Bridge, built during British rule, is a crucial piece of infrastructure in the region, connecting various areas for both commercial and local transportation. Unfortunately, the bridge has suffered extensive damage due to sea erosion, particularly since 2021. The erosion has weakened its pillars, creating safety risks for vehicles and pedestrians. The KMB had hoped that with adequate funding, it could carry out restoration work, ensuring the bridge remains operational and safe for the public. While the primary concern is the restoration of the bridge itself, the KMB envisions a broader redevelopment of the Valiyathura area. The board sees the potential to transform the location into a bustling tourist destination or commercial hub, enhancing the region’s economic vitality. However, for this vision to become a reality, the KMB plans to integrate the bridge’s restoration into a larger Valiyathura redevelopment project. This would involve a public-private partnership (PPP) model, but the state government has yet to approve this proposal. The KMB is awaiting approval for a revised detailed project report before it can proceed with this ambitious plan.
Further complicating matters, the restoration of the nearby Valiyathura sea pier, which was supposed to be funded under the central government’s Sagarmala scheme, has been abandoned. The central government refused to fund the project, citing the lack of a revenue-generation potential for the pier. As a result, the restoration plans have stalled, and sources close to the project report that the Centre has requested an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before considering the project again. This additional hurdle has further delayed progress.
In addition to these obstacles, the state government has been slow to grant administrative approval for the bridge restoration. Although Rs 5 crore was earmarked for initial repairs, the total cost of the project is estimated to reach Rs 20 crore. Given the bridge’s historical significance and its vital role in local infrastructure, there have been calls to preserve it rather than demolish and reconstruct it. Previous proposals to rebuild parts of the bridge were rejected to maintain its historical value. The Valiyathura Bridge has stood for over six decades, having been originally built for cargo ships during British rule. Its role in the region’s development cannot be understated, but without sufficient funding and governmental approval, its future remains uncertain. In the face of these challenges, local authorities and residents are hoping that the state government will allocate the necessary funds to ensure the bridge’s restoration. Without this investment, both the historical landmark and the potential redevelopment of Valiyathura into a commercial or tourist hub may remain in limbo.
