The Hindu : Last girder of Goshree bridges launched

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 07, 2004

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Last girder of Goshree bridges launched

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI, MARCH 6. The last of the girders of the Goshree bridges was launched on Saturday morning amid widespread celebrations on the Vypeen Island. The floating crane, Sahyadri, began moving the box girder from the casting yard on the mainland at about 9 a. m. and the girder was launched into its place shortly after 11.30. a.m.

Thousands of people from the Vypeen Island gathered on the completed spans of the bridge on both sides to be part of the historic moment. The islanders have had a five-decade-old wait to see a bridge to the Ernakulam mainland.

The girder was launched to the tune of traditional drums as Kavadi dancers in country boats danced to the beats. A running commentary on a public announcement system on the movement of the floating crane added to the festive spirit.

Members of the Vypeen-Ernakulam Action Council distributed sweets after the girder was launched.

With the launch of the last girder for the third bridge, the Goshree bridges work has entered its final phase. Saturday's was the 27th box girder for the trio of bridges with the third bridge between Vallarpadam and Vypeen accounting for nine of these girders.

Each of the box girders weighs approximately 600 tonnes. Each of it is 40 metres long and 28 metres wide. The three bridges together have a length of 1.5 k.m.

A big contingent of officials from the Cochin Port Trust and the Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) were present to witness the launch of the box girder.

In a symbolic gesture, the action council, based on the Vypeen Island, organised a farewell for the floating crane, Sahyadri, which had helped speed up the work on the Goshree bridges. It was pressed into service in March last year.

The council contingent was led by its convener, Majnu Komath.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala

News Update

Stories in this Section

TRACO Cable workers stage dharna

Last girder of Goshree bridges launched

City in Holi mood

Traffic curbs today

Seminar on `harmonious Kerala'

Cable TV operators' protest