Minister Riyas seeks report from project director on the collapse of bridge under construction, also directs Vigilance for investigation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Public Works Minister Mohammad Riyas has directed the Kerala Road Fund Board project director to submit a detailed report on the incident regarding the collapse of beams of the Kozhikode Kulimad bridge. Public Works Vigilance has also been directed to investigate the incident. The minister said work was underway to restore the girders and complete the construction of the bridge on time.

The concrete beams of the bridge connecting Kozhikode and Malappuram districts across the Chaliyar river collapsed at 9 am today. Public Works Minister Mohammad Riyaz has directed an inquiry into the incident. The Public Works Vigilance Division will investigate the incident.

The Uralungal Labor Society, the contractor, said the machine used to fasten the beam had broken down during work. The concrete beam was shaking while attaching to the bridge. Out of the three beams that collapsed, one beam completely fell into the river. The other two hung on the bridge itself. One worker was injured in the accident.

The construction of this bridge across the Chaliyar at a cost of 25 crore started in 2019. Construction was halted for a long time after construction materials were washed away in the floods of that year.