The traffic congestion at NH Bypass junction at Palarivattom will be a thing of the past as the much-awaited flyover opened for public from Wednesday. After various deadlines and scheduled dates, the new flyover, one of the longest overbridges in the state inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The total length of the flyover is 632 metre at a width of 17 metre. There are a total of 19 spans in the flyover with a 35-metre-long central girder. Thirty-seven posts with LED lights are installed in the bridge. The Roads and Bridges Development Corporation, Kerala (RBDCK) and the contracting firm RDS had completed the work of the bridge in two years and four months after the foundation stone was laid in June 2014.

palarivattam

The estimated cost of the construction was Rs 72 crore but the design helped the RBDCK to save up to Rs 10 crore. There was no need for land acquisition which was usually one of the major hurdles in the way of many infrastructure projects.

Those vehicles coming from Vyttila and Edappally and proceeding along the NH bypass can use the four-lane flyover, ending the long queues that were common on the stretch a few months ago.
The existing traffic signal will be revamped. Vehicles coming from Edappally and Vyttila will have to check the signals before taking right turn at the junction.

“It is one of the longest overbridges constructed in the State. We are happy that we were able to complete it in the most cost-effective way,” said RBDCK managing director A P M Muhammed Hanish.

Nearly 400 workers (on an average) worked hard for almost 24 months to make the dream of having a flyover at Palarivattom a reality. Hanish was also the PWD the secretary at the time of construction of the flyover. “That helped me to ensure the timely flow of funds,” he added.

Along with the commissioning of the flyover, the laying of tiles at the Bypass junction is also progressing. The NH Bypass, after the commencement of the work of the flyover, was in a dilapidated condition, thereby inviting the wrath of the public. Meanwhile, there is apprehension over the new traffic arrangement that will be put in place after the commissioning of the new flyover.

SOURCEThe New Indian Express
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