KOCHI: Even as the PWD is going on with a project to carry out the overall repair of the Old Mattanchery Bridge, another project aimed at renovating and preserving the bridge as a heritage monument is now fading into oblivion.Though traffic has been banned on the bridge, the authorities concerned are still clueless about when the work can be commenced and when it will be complete.The project was first proposed in 2005 by Union Minister K V Thomas. It was proposed that the bridge should be beautified and food courts and other amenities be set up in the area, to attract tourists. However, the project failed to go past the planning stage, as no steps were taken.According to Thomas, lack of funds was not a reason for the non-implementation of the project. “Funds are still ready. The BPCL-Kochi Refinery has agreed to donate money for the beautification of the road starting from Alexander Parambithara bridge.In addition to it, a sum of Rs 3 crore, allotted for developing the High Court-BTH Road into a model one, can also be utilised for beautifying and protecting the bridge, since the model road project has been delayed due to litigation,” said the minister.“But there has to be sincere co-operation from the Kochi Corporation,” said Thomas. “If the bridge is transformed into a protected heritage monument, traffic on the bridge will have to be restricted, for which the corporation’s support is needed. Besides, the PWD and the Tourism Department also need to work in tandem if the dream is to be realised,” he said.An engineering marvel of Kerala, the Old Mattanchery Bridge is a landmark of Kochi. The 72-year-old bridge has weakened considerably due to heavy traffic flow and lack of maintenance, though PWD officials claim that its foundations are still strong.The bridge was built by Sir Robert Bristow, who masterminded the Cochin Port, to connect Willingdon Island to Mattanchery, which was a vibrant trading hub at the time. The construction was completed in 1938 and it was opened for traffic in 1940.
Comments
0 comment