[1]Finally, the old harbour bridge at Mattancherry is to be repaired and re-opened for the public.
The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) will take over the old harbour bridge and will make it motorable. The Public Works Department has agreed to hand over the bridge to the GCDA.
According to GCDA chairman N. Venugopal, the authority will open the bridge for vehicles after repairing works. The GCDA team including chairman, secretary and other officials will inspect the bridge on Monday.
“We’ll inspect the bridge to assess its structural stability. The Authority is waiting for the government’s order to hand over the bridge,” said N. Venugopal.
After repairing, the bridge will be opened to vehicles, but heavy vehicles will not be allowed. Traffic will be from 7 am to 8 pm. During the night, only pedestrians will be allowed to use the bridge, said the GCDA chairman.
Earlier, the meeting convened by Union Minister K.V Thomas to discuss plans to protect the bridge mooted a proposal for preserving the bridge as a heritage structure. The meeting also discussed a plan to open the bridge for tourists.
The bridge, built in 1938 to link the city with West Kochi, has been in a dilapidated condition for the last few years due to lack of proper maintenance.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/thopumpady-bridgejpgcropdisplayjpg-092