April 15 new deadline for Pizhala approach road

Work began 2 yrs ago; GIDA keeps breaking promises, say residents

- KRISHNA KUMAR K E @Kochi

THE Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) has reneged on its promise on the Pizhala bridge approach road yet again, missing the December 15 deadline by a big margin.

And the wait continues for nearly 7,000 residents of Pizhala island for proper connectivity to mainland Kochi.

Dishearteningly, while the construction of the bridge was completed in 2020, the work on the 350-metre approach road has been dragging on.

"GIDA had issued a statement on October 19, 2024, saying that the main structural work of the approach road will be completed before December 15 and the finishing activities including tarring by January 15, 2025. But no progress has been made, with the work remaining stuck at the halfway stage," said Nimmy Francis, committee member, Pizhala Approach Road Action Council.

The authorities are making empty promises, she said.