“Navika Palam” Inaugurated at Cheriya Kadamakudi, Kochi

“Navika Palam” Inaugurated at Cheriya Kadamakudi, Kochi

A Steel Arch Bridge christened as “Navika Palam” (Naval Bridge) was inaugurated by Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief SNC at Cheriya Kadamakkudi Panchayat in Kochi on 23 September 2019. The 3 metre wide, 49 metre long, completely metallic bridge was constructed at a cost of 40.45 lakhs in six months. The bridge will be able to take vehicles upto 3 tonnes with a vertical clearance of 2.35 metres. The inaugural event was attended by the residents of Cheriya Kadmakkudi ‘Grama Panchayat’, President NWWA(SR), Chief of Staff and other officers of SNC.

Speaking on the occasion, the FOC-in-C expressed his delight in being able to deliver on promise made and said that it was a privilege for the Navy to be of service to the residents of Cheriya Kadmakkudi and that it is a fitting gift for the people during  Onam.   Besides the bridge, the major rehabilitation works at Cheriya Kadamakudi Island announced in the aftermath of 2018 floods included construction of new houses, repairs of damaged houses, providing cots, wheelchairs, stretchers for the infirm & elderly and creation of a play area for the children, all of which had been completed earlier.

The bridge was promised to be constructed by SNC, to connect the island with the mainland as the only other existing bridge was in a dilapidated state and declared unfit for use by the PWD. This promise has become a reality with the construction and inauguration of “Navika Palam” on 23 September 2019.