Kochi’s long-pending Chilavannoor Canal widening and bridge project has gained momentum as the Revenue Department has granted approval for land acquisition.

The order, based on the expert committee report submitted after a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study in July, paves the way for acquiring 0.22 hectares in Elamkulam and Poonithura villages of Kanayannur taluk. The land will be used for the construction of the new Chilavannoor bridge and its approach road. The bridge forms part of the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) under Kochi Metro Rail (KMRL).

The state government has already cleared a tender worth Rs 38.77 crore for its construction. The proposed 90mtrs. span bridge is expected to be an iconic structure and play a vital role in mitigating flooding and traffic bottlenecks in the city.

Earlier, the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) had sanctioned Rs 32.58 crore for the reconstruction of Bund Road bridge across the canal, with the work awarded to ULCCS. The new bridge is expected to significantly ease stagnation and flooding issues in Kochi.