Government Should Reconsider their Stand on Palarivattom Bridge

KOCHI:
Kerala Government Contractors Association (KGCA) said that as per the directive of the Kerala High Court that load test could be conducted at the Palarivattom bridge, repair works directed by Chennai IIT can be undertaken and opened for traffic.

KGCA State President Varghese Kannampally pointed out that the affidavit filed at the Supreme Court by the Kerala Government is not a hindrance for load test and repair works. The repair works could be completed within three months and the entire expenditure will be borne by the contractor.

“The Kerala Government is purposely delaying the opening of the bridge. The government is trying to make the delay for strengthening the case against the contractor”, he said. For the smooth traffic, Palarivattom bridge should be opened along with the commissioning of the Vytilla bridge. Ministry of Road Transport and Highway could have interfered if there was any irregularities in the plan while it was approved, he said.

Moreover, Contractors Association feels that Government is trying to divert attention from recent issues by bringing up Palarivattom bridge issue again at this point of time, they added.