KOCHI: The PWD minister G. Sudhakaran has ordered a vigilance investigation regarding the construction of Palarivattom Bridge, which was closed down for maintenance within three years of opening. The probe has been initiated after incidents of corruption and irregularities were found in the primary evaluation, the minister told the media.

“Roads and Bridges Development Corporation and consultants KITCO are responsible for the wrongdoings in the construction. They tried to help the contractors. There were problems rights from the blueprint to the construction. Vigilance probe has become necessary and it is not at all political. Right now the undergoing works are not for maintenance, but for restoring the bridge”, Sudhakaran said.

Sudhakaran also lashed out at the central govt alleging their ignorance to the state in National Highway construction. “Procedures of National Highway construction has been completed by the state, but the central govt is least interested. They have asked to stop the proceedings, which are absurd”, Sudhakaran added.

Meanwhile, protests have gained strength regarding the state of Palarivattom Bridge.

A bigger bridge at Edappally has cost much less than the one at Palarivattom, which is suspicious and has sparked controversy.

The Palarivattom Bridge was constructed by the state govt. The National Highways authority granted permission for the construction as the state was ready to fund. The contract was taken by RDS Projects in Cochin. As per the contract, they have to resolve the weariness of the bridge at their own cost. Bills over Rs 5 crores has not been paid yet after problems popped up in the bridge construction.

The current maintenance works are done under the supervision of an expert from Madras IIT. Tarring works will be completed by Monday. The authorities hope to complete the works before the 30th of this month.