Notification for Atlantis overbridge gives impetus to demand for bridges at Vaduthala and Vathuruthy in Kochi

The proposed Atlantis overbridge is expected to help decongest Ernakulam South overbridge, Valanjambalam, and Pallimukku

With the preliminary notification to acquire 0.059 hectares to build an overbridge at Atlantis being issued and a special tahsildar being appointed for land acquisition, the demand to build long-overdue bridges at Vaduthala and Vathuruthy has gained momentum.

The overbridge is expected to help decongest the Ernakulam South overbridge, Valanjambalam, and Pallimukku. Simultaneously, the long-pending overbridge at Vaduthala too must be completed in a time-bound manner, so that the northern parts of the city are decongested, said Felix Pullooden of Greater Cochin Development Watch (GCDW).

“The Vaduthala bridge could have been realised by now, but for pressure groups playing spoilsport. It also holds the key to catalysing yet another road project that was mooted about 40 years ago — the Goshree-Chathiath-Mamangalam Road. I vividly remember meeting late Chief Minister K. Karunakaran when I was associated with Kerala Catholic Youth Movement [KCYM], seeking a bridge at Vaduthala. Commuters will benefit from the Pachalam bridge only if this bridge too is readied,” he added.