‘Nalppalam’ in Alappuzha set to open soon

The reconstructed Muppalam (triple bridge) in Alappuzha municipality is likely to be opened by the end of March. The Public Works Department (PWD) has replaced the three interconnected bridges with four bridges, now collectively referred to as Nalppalam.

The reconstructed Muppalam (triple bridge) in Alappuzha municipality is likely to be opened by the end of March. The Public Works Department (PWD) has replaced the three interconnected bridges with four bridges, now collectively referred to as Nalppalam.

Almost all the work has been completed and vehicles have started plying on the bridge. “The construction of the approach roads has been completed. Canal cleaning, retaining wall construction, installation of handrails and tile work on the footpath have also been finished. Some minor work is still progressing,” said an official of the PWD (Bridges Division).

Meanwhile, an additional ₹25 lakh has been sanctioned from the MLA fund of P.P. Chitharanjan for electrification, lighting and interlocking work. “The project is almost complete. Our plan is to inaugurate the bridge by the end of this month,” said Mr. Chitharanjan, adding that the bridge would also serve as a tourist attraction.

The new Nalppalam will connect Vada canal and Commercial canal. Three of the bridges are 23 metres long and 7.5 metres wide, while the fourth is 26 metres long and 7.5 metres wide. The project was implemented at a cost of ₹17.44 crore. The PWD initiated the steps to demolish the ageing Muppalam in August 2020. Though it was initially announced that reconstruction would be completed within a year, the project got delayed due to various reasons.

Originally constructed during British rule to connect three roads, Muppalam was a popular location for film shoots.

Meanwhile, the construction of two other bridges- Punnamada Nehru Trophy bridge and District Court bridge- in Alappuzha municipality is progressing. Piling work for both bridges is ongoing. The Punnamada Nehru Trophy bridge is being constructed at a cost of ₹65.62 crore, including ₹57.12 crore for bridge construction, $8 crore for land acquisition and ₹50 lakh for other ancillary works. Once completed, the 384.1 metre-long bridge will connect the Nehru Trophy ward in the municipality to the mainland (Punnamada).

The District Court bridge is being reconstructed at a cost of ₹120.52 crore. The project includes a signal-free roundabout, a three-lane road on both sides of the Vada canal, 5.5-metre-wide flyovers, a 7.5-metre-wide underpass, and 5.5-metre-wide ramps. Traffic will flow unidirectional on the flyovers and ramps, while the underpass will support bidirectional movement. The existing bridge across the canal will be dismantled to make way for the new structure.