Vellayani Kireedam bridge: Government forgets promise to revamp the iconic bridge

Nemom: Despite the government going back on its promise to develop the iconic ‘Kireedam’ bridge into a major tourism spot, visitors have been flocking to enjoy the scintillating beauty of Vellayani Lake and nearby places. Neither the tourism department nor the Kalliyoor grama panchayat has arranged any facilities for the tourists here. The bridge got its name after the songs of the cult classic movie ‘Kireedam’ were shot here. The bridge is built across the Kannukalichaal Lake which carries the water from the Vellayani River into the Karamanayar Lake. Recently the bridge that was almost in a dilapidated state was renovated. The plastering that had come off was repaired while the rusty iron bars were replaced with sturdy ones. The government promised to renovate the bridge in honour of actors Thilakan and Mohanlal who had played pivotal roles in the film. However, the project still rests in the file.

Shivodayam Road, which is the main road that gives access to this place, is filled with potholes. Visitors have to travel via this road to reach the Kireedam bridge. Many parts of the road have become deep gorges with water logging too. The tourists should turn at the Vellayani temple junction as well as at Punchakari to reach here. However, the authorities have not been able even to place sign boards at these spots. The visitors often get lost and roam around before reaching the bridge. There are a few wayside eateries and a park run by private individuals here. Earlier, a rest house too was here, but, it got destroyed in a fire.