Decades of Dream Realised: Perumbalam Bridge Inaugurated

Alappuzha: The Perumbalam Bridge, which was once thought to be impossible, was today dedicated to the people by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The Perumbalam Bridge, which is the longest bridge across the Vembanadu Lake, was inaugurated by the Chief Minister. It is a bridge that connects the Perumbalam Island, which is inhabited by more than ten thousand people, to the mainland, built at a cost of 100 crores with approval from KIIFB. The bridge is one of the pride projects of the LDF government. Along with the bridge, the Chief Minister also dedicated to the people the restructured Alappuzha-Changanassery road (AC Road) as a semi-elevated path, and the Payyannur Bridge, which has attracted attention for its unique design. Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammad Riyas presided over the event.

The dream that generations had seen has become a reality for the people of Perumbalam today. When the bridge connecting the northern part of the island, from Vadayazhath to Vaduthala, was handed over to the public, a new chapter in history began. For decades, the lives of the island’s inhabitants were tied to the boat schedule. Thirteen boats circled the island. There were also jankar boats to bring vehicles. The boat services from Puthottu in Ernakulam district and Panavalli in Alappuzha district ran with a gap of half an hour. The last boat from Puthottu and Panavalli to Perumbalam used to leave at 9:45 PM. During the monsoon season, traveling across the lake, which could become unstable, required a great deal of courage. The main mode of transportation within the island was autorickshaws.

At night, the boats of the Water Transport Department, which were stationed at the jetties here, were a lifeline in case of emergencies. For generations, the people here had longed for a bridge to end this difficult situation. When the LDF government took action to make this dream a reality, the bridge was born. The Perumbalam Bridge is not just a bridge, but a story of a dream fulfilled, achieved through the unity of the government and the people.