As a big relief to ease traffic congestion in Kochi, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has dedicated the Vytilla-Kundanoor Bridge today. The inauguration ceremony took place virtually. As a part of the inauguration, Kerala Ministers G Sudhakaran and Thomas Issac will make their first trip across the bridges.
The government has completed the project by utilising KIIFB funds. The Vytilla flyover cost around Rs 86 crore and the Kundanoor bridge nearly Rs 83 crore. However, with the opening of both bridges, major traffic congestion in Kochi will be resolved.
The initial plan was to complete the construction of the Vyttila flyover by May 2019 and Kundannoor flyover by March 2020. However, the state government had to keep pushing the opening date of both flyovers for months due to various circumstances.
The government wanted to ensure that a situation akin to the Palarivattom flyover does not arise again. On December 1, 2020, the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala had asked IIT Madras’ structural engineering experts to carry out a load test for Vyttila and Kundannoor flyovers. To verify a flyover's structural stability and strength, a load test is mandatory. Only then can the flyover be used by the public.
During the inauguration ceremony, the CM said, “This is a major junction where nearly 13,000 vehicles pass by every hour. I am happy to be able to complete the project on time. Amidst all the crises, the Vytilla flyover was completed with planning and engineering excellence. I congratulate the Public Works Department for this."
