GCDA to hold talks with PWD on Old Mattancherry bridge

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has decided to hold talks with the Public Works Department (PWD) with regards to gaining possession over the Old Mattancherry bridge. Despite talks being held earlier with the PWD in this regard, a consensus could not be reached. According to the GCDA chairman, if the authority is given possession of the old bridge, they will undertake repair and restoration work on it so that it is fit to be opened to public. It is expected that if the talks are on track, the development authority will gain possession of the bridge.

Mattancherry BOT Bridge

Incidentally, the GCDA is proposed to gain possession over the Mattancherry BOT bridge as the agreement with the company which constructed the bridge – Gammon Infrastructure Projects Ltd. – expires.

Gammon Infrastructure Projects Ltd had completed construction work on this bridge in 1999 following which it was commissioned in 2000. As and when GCDA gains control over this bridge, it will be after more than 13 years from the date when it was commissioned. This is expected to put an end to the toll Raj which was being persisted with for a long time.

After taking possession of the bridge, the development authority plans to have discussions with private bus owners, merchants’ and traders’ organisations as well as chambers of commerce so as to chalk out a systematic plan to carry out regular maintenance work on the bridge. In this regard, the GCDA will also seek the opinion of various corporation councillors from the west Kochi region as well as representatives from various political parties.

Old Mattancherry bridge

The Old Mattancherry bridge which was constructed in 1940 is one of the most important landmarks of the Kochi of yore. The center of this bridge which is made of wood and steel can be raised so as to allow ships to pass through. Following the commissioning of the Mattancherry BOT bridge, the old bridge was closed to traffic. However, due to mounting pressure from the general public, it was later re-opened to allow two-wheelers to pass through. Considerable damage had happened to the wooden planks in the middle of the bridge as well as to the portions made of steel, necessitating immediate repair or replacement of the damaged portions. The bridge cannot be classified as a heritage monument as it is under hundred years old. However, the GCDA plans to maintain the old bridge on the lines of the London bridge.

Hold-up in renovation work

The PWD had undertaken repair work on the approach road some time back but could not go ahead with the repair and restoration work required on the Old Mattencherry bridge as they were unable to find contractors who were willing to take it up. In fact, the department had gone ahead with inviting tenders for a Rs 60 crore project for undertaking renovation work. But there was no interest evinced from any contractors for taking up this project. The renovation work involving replacement of old wood requires considerable amount of timber. Due to the increase in the cost of timber, contractors were wary about taking up this work.

Impact on Realty

The Old Mattancherry bridge after being taken up by the GDCA, is expected to be renovated and maintained systematically by the GCDA. This is expected to have a positive impact on the residential realty market in areas in the vicinity. The infrastructure facilities in the surroundings areas is also likely to get a fillip. This could lead to an increase in demand for residential accommodation in the surrounding areas leading to an appreciation in values as well as rentals of residential property. Investors in property are also expected to get their money’s worth due to increase in property values.