Kochi : Preliminary work on the Goshree parallel bridge project is set to begin soon as the public works department has given administrative sanction.
A sum of Rs 25,08,000 has been sanctioned for soil investigation work, following a departmental working group meeting held on Sept 23, a govt order issued on Thursday read. Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden also emphasised the urgency of the project, noting that Rs 50 lakh has been allocated for the parallel bridge and the proposed Goshree-Mamangalam Road to ensure timely completion. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news.
The actual works are slated to commence in six months,” Ernakulam MLA T J Vinod said. “The next key step is the preparation of the detailed project report (DPR). The push for a parallel bridge comes as commuters face severe daily traffic jams around Bolgatty Junction, which funnels heavy vehicles from four directions. Deep potholes and the lack of width slow down vehicles as they approach the first Goshree bridge, creating a massive bottleneck. Originally planned as a four-lane transit corridor, the Goshree project was scaled down to two-lane bridges years ago following environmental protests and legal battles. With transit volumes expected to surge further once the upcoming Munambam-Azhikode bridge opens, urban planning experts and locals have strongly advocated for parallel structures alongside the first and third bridges. The second bridge already features a parallel structure. Unlike many infrastructure projects stalled by land acquisition hurdles, the project faces no such delays. Goshree Islands Development Authority already owns the necessary land parcels at both bridge approaches. In addition to the new bridge planning, there is a growing local push to resurface the existing Goshree road stretch and its bridges using high-durability bituminous macadam bituminous concrete standards to ease immediate travel conditions. Download the TOI App.