Engineering marvel at play! 200-year-old cross at Thevara to be relocated for line doubling

KOCHI: A 200-year-old cross is ​​being relocated 25 meters away, thanks to engineering. The relocation of the St. Anthony's cross of the St. John Nepumsian Church in Konthuruthy, Thevara, Ernakulam, using jacks and spans, will be completed today. The railways acquired the land a year ago where the cross stood, as part of the doubling of the Ernakulam-Alappuzha coastal railway line.

The initial decision was to demolish the cross. However, the parish council supported the locals' demand to preserve the historical monument, which paved the way for its replacement. Shriram Building Lifting Company, headquartered in Kurukshetra, Haryana, is in charge. Shriram Company signed a contract for 4.5 lakhs in early 2025. The Company has a wealth of experience, including lifting a 650-year-old temple in Uttarakhand.

Work began two months ago after receiving permission from the Kochi Corporation. The crucifix is ​​being moved to the site after purchasing a one-and-a-half-cent plot of land for around Rs 9 lakh. The parish council is bearing the other expenses of Rs 1.5 lakh, including the cost of concrete, to move the crucifix. The blessing ceremony of the renovated crucifix will be held as a celebration.

The 12-meter-wide and 14-meter-high crucifix is ​​made of a mixture of lime and surki. The first step was to dig a hole around it, build a beam under the crucifix, and raise it five meters. Then, using a jack and a span, it was moved forward along a specially installed rail. It can only be moved five meters a day. The crucifix, which was brought to its new location today, will be installed on Friday.

People, regardless of caste and religion, used to take a bow in reverence whenever they passed the cross at the Mulanthuruthy-Nettoor crossing. It is believed that this gesture would ward off dangers. Even though the footbridge was also built along with the railway bridge, the faith of the locals did not diminish. During the renovation, the figures of eight saints will also be installed at the crosswalk.