Kochi: The Kerala High Court, today, ordered that the Palarivattom bridge, which was found to be weak, not to be demolished. The court also asked if load testing will be done on it to check the strength of the bridge.
Earlier, the High Court had ordered not to demolish the bridge till 10 October. It was on the basis of many pleas that was submitted requesting not to demolish the bridge. The court asked the government to submit a report about it.
Two pleas that came before the court requested that load testing is done to check the strength of the flyover before taking a decision to demolish it. The court had stopped the demolition of the bridge in favour of these pleas.
Those who submitted the pleas said that the reports including that from the IIT has not recommended that the bridge be demolished.
The decision of the High Court was taken by a bench headed by Justice C. K. Abdul Rahim, who has the charge of Chief Justice.
A group of engineers had also come forward and requested not to demolish the bridge before scientific testing is done on it.
The flyover at Palarivattom exposed the corruption that is rampant in Kerala. The construction of the Palarivattom bridge began during the Congress led UDF government’s tenure. Politicians and officials were hand in glove in the corruption which led to the poor construction of the bridge.
Former PWD Secretary T. O. Sooraj were arrested along with other officials. The then PWD Minister and Muslim League leader was questioned in connection with the corruption.
