Punnamada-Nehru Trophy bridge opens up, changing Alappuzha's tourism prospect

A long-cherished dream of the residents along the shores of Alappuzha's Punnamada backwaters is coming to fruition with the construction of the 'Punnamada-Nehru Trophy Bridge.' This bridge, connecting Punnamada Ward and Nehru Trophy Ward in Alappuzha Municipality under Ambalapuzha Taluk, is set to ease the travel difficulties faced by the residents of Nehru Trophy Municipal Ward and Kainakari Panchayat, who have long been isolated from Alappuzha town. Additionally, the project aims to boost tourism in these areas.The Punnamada Bridge is part of the Pallathuruthy East Bypass alignment, designed to connect Tanneermukkam-Alappuzha Road to AC Road without passing through Alappuzha town, thus alleviating traffic congestion in the area. The bridge’s design follows the guidelines of the Inland Waterways Authority of India to ensure uninterrupted houseboat traffic through the Punnamada backwaters. The total length of the bridge is 384.1 meters, featuring 25 spans of 12 meters each and a 72.05-meter waterway span of bowstring arch design. The project also includes a 110-meter approach road on both sides of the bridge.After receiving administrative approval, the project’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared and submitted to KIIFB following soil testing and survey work. Initially included in the 2016-17 budget, the project received a financial sanction of Rs 44.80 crore in 2018. In August 2023, the Revenue Department handed over land for the project, valued at Rs 7.99 crore, to KIIFB. Additionally, Rs 22.14 lakh from KSEB and Rs 27 lakh from Kerala Water Authority were released for utility shifting, following a revised financial approval of Rs 57.40 crore from KIIFB. In addition to resolving travel woes, the Punnamada-Nehru Trophy Bridge is expected to raise hopes for economic development and better connectivity in the area.