Champannur railway overbridge project stalled over Kerala funding issues
The construction of the bridge near Angamaly railway station awaits state financial approval and land acquisition for approach roads.
Construction of the proposed Champannur railway overbridge near Angamaly railway station is currently delayed because the Kerala government has not provided financial approval or support for land acquisition, according to a report by Urban Acres.
Southern Railway has finished preliminary soil testing and submitted the General Arrangement Drawing for technical approval. Once this design is cleared, the state government can start acquiring land for the approach roads on both sides of the bridge before the project reaches the tendering stage.
The bridge is intended to resolve congestion and safety issues at the Champannur railway gate. This gate serves nearly 200 commercial and industrial establishments, including the Kerala State Bamboo Corporation and Food Corporation of India warehouses.
The gate's frequent closure causes traffic disruptions, particularly when trains stop at the station. Residents have reported that the crossing can become inaccessible during medical emergencies and noted that pedestrians face risks when attempting to pass under the closed gate.
A recent incident involving a pedestrian being killed by a train has increased the demand for a safer crossing. While a token amount was previously included in the state budget, the full funds required for construction have not been approved.
The project's progress depends on the approval of the railway design, the allocation of necessary funds in the state budget, and the commencement of land acquisition.