KOCHI: The Edappally Rail Overbridge, the work of which was started a decade ago, will be opened by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Saturday. The bridge work, initiated in 2000, was part of a Central scheme that envisaged at least 50 RoBs for Kerala. But, the work which was handed over to the National Highway Wing of the Public Works Department and the Railways was delayed owing to re-tendering of the project more than thrice.“The Railways had completed their part of the bridge in 2000. It was the delay on the part of the state which hindered the opening of the bridge. The master plan was prepared at least 15 years ago,” said MP Rajeev.The work on the 1,700-meter-long RoB, which was expected to be completed by 2008, progressed at a snail’s pace after contractors backed out of the project stating that the work was not feasible. The rates of the tenders floated were allegedly high. N Antony, executive engineer of National Highways, Aluva said: “Though it was decided to complete the work by October 2011, it was delayed owing to the lag in the work on approach roads. Now, the cost of the bridge has crossed Rs 37 crore.” And, opening of the ROB which was finally contracted to Cherian Varkey Construction Company, Ernakulam has raised the hopes of the public since the bridge, which connects Edappally with Mangalore through the National Highway-17, is expected to benefit Kochi as a whole. “The bridge will do wonders for the city which is tormented by traffic woes. Once this bridge is opened, most of the traffic will flow out of the city through the bridge. This will also help connect road users to the National Highway,” Antony said.The bridge is also expected to be a blessing for commuters from Guruvayur, who otherwise have to reach Aluva en route to the city. This will also put an end to the long delay at the Railway gate crossing.“The bridge is expected to bring about developments in the near future. Better facilities will come up between Ernakulam and Guruvayur,” he added.Union Minister K V Thomas, Public Works Minister Ibrahim Kunju and Excise Minister K Babu, MPs P Rajeev and Charles Dias, MLA Hibi Eden, Benny Behanan, V D Satheeshan and Ludy Louis, Mayor Tony Chammany, Kalamassery municipal chairman Jamal Manakkadan, councillors M P Mahesh Kumar and V N Sarojini and District Collector Sheikh Pareeth will be present.
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