Kochi: A new road connectivity is emerging for Kochi to NH 17 at Paravoor with the government giving in-principle nod for the construction of four new bridges linking four islands. These bridges announced by the Chief Minister on Sunday are the Moolampilli-Pizhala bridge,  Pizhala minor bridge,  Pizhala-Valiya Kadamakkudi  bridge and Valiya Kadamakkudi-Chathanad bridge.

The Goshree Island Development Authority (GIDA) which will construct these bridges at a cost of Rs 160 crore will also lay a 4.5 km-long road with 22-metre width from ICTT road at Moolampilli to Chathanad near Paravoor. The road from Chathanad is already extending up to NH 17 at Paravoor.

“The road will effectively link NH17 to NH47 since the ICTT road is branching out from NH 47 at Kalamassery. It will open up another easy route for those coming from Guruvayur, Kodungallor, Paravoor and other northern parts to reach Kochi,” said V D Satheesan, Paravoor MLA, who has been lobbying for the realization of this route so that the people of his constituency have ready access to the growing Kochi metro city.

Initially, the Chathanad-Moolampilli road will be a two-lane road which will later be developed into a four-lane road to facilitate movement of containers to northern regions without touching Aluva.
Another road is being constructed by Fisheries Department from Perumpadanna on Cherayi-Paravoor road to Chathanad, which will also be another link to the road to Kochi.

GIDA is now waiting for the administrative sanction for the Moolampilli-Pizhala bridge so that the tendering process can be launched.