Perumbalam Bridge: Incomplete Works and Lack of Amenities Mar Project a Month After Inauguration

Although a month has passed since the inauguration of the Perumbalam Bridge, significant construction work remains incomplete, raising concerns about the project’s planning and the timing of its launch. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the bridge on March 7, yet vital amenities such as street lighting, final road surfacing, and promised bus services are still pending.

While the bridge, which connects Perumbalam island to the mainland, is currently facilitating traffic, the second phase of tarring for the main and approach roads has not been finished. Despite the existence of active work zones and incomplete sections, authorities opened the bridge to vehicles immediately following the inauguration.

Labor shortages are being cited as the primary cause for the delays. Reports indicate that many workers returned to West Bengal and other states during the election period. While partial tarring work has commenced on the bridge, contractors acknowledge that the lack of manpower has significantly slowed progress.

The unfinished state of the road infrastructure has directly impacted public transportation. Although KSRTC initiated bus services on the day of the inauguration, these operations were subsequently halted. Officials stated that regular services from Perumbalam would only resume once the road surfacing is fully completed, a measure intended to prevent vehicle damage and ensure passenger safety.

Prior to the bridge’s completion, authorities had promised several long-distance services to destinations including Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Kottayam, along with local services within the Perumbalam panchayat. Currently, however, there are no daily services on these routes, forcing residents, including students and professionals, to continue relying on auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers for their commute.

The absence of street lighting remains another major concern. The state government awarded the contract for installing lights on the bridge to Keltron, but this work is yet to be concluded. Drivers report that the lack of illumination creates significant difficulties for night travel, particularly in areas that have only been partially tarred and are prone to strong winds.

Local residents and political figures have alleged that the bridge was opened in a rush ahead of the elections, arguing that the project should have been fully completed before being opened to the public. Conversely, supporters note that islanders are relieved to finally have road connectivity after decades of waiting, viewing the bridge as a major milestone despite the pending finishing work.

Because the bridge is located at the northern tip of Perumbalam, residents living in the interior areas still depend on boat services. The Water Transport Department continues to operate these boats to ensure that students, workers, and patients can travel at low costs.

Meanwhile, the bridge has become a popular destination for tourists, who visit to photograph the rainbow-colored arches and the scenic views of Vembanad Lake. While this has provided a slight boost to local vendors, they emphasize that sustainable benefits will only arrive once street lights are installed, roads are fully paved, and bus services from nearby cities are operational.

Currently, the Perumbalam Bridge provides both relief and disappointment. While the island’s isolation has technically ended, critical infrastructure remains lagging. The coming weeks will reveal how quickly authorities act to complete the tarring, install lighting, and restore the promised public transport services.