Kerala High Court Directs Government to Clarify Pizhala-Kadamakudy Bridge Project Status

Court Orders Impleadment of Key Infrastructure Bodies to Expedite Construction Timeline  

The Kerala High Court has issued a directive to the Government Pleader to provide specific instructions regarding the current status of the Pizhala-Kadamakudy Bridge construction project. This project, funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), has been under scrutiny due to delays in its execution. The High Court, led by Dr. A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Jobin Sebastian, JJ., emphasized the need for clarity on whether financial sanction for the project has been granted and detailed timelines for its completion.

The court's order came in response to a writ petition filed by Alex Manavalan and others against the Goshree Development Authority (GIDA) and others. The court noted that while administrative sanction for the bridge was granted by the Public Works Department (PWD) in 2017, there remains ambiguity regarding the financial approval and progress of the project.

To ensure accountability and expedite the construction, the court has ordered the impleadment of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB), and the Public Works Department (PWD) as additional respondents in the case. These entities are required to provide an affidavit detailing the financial sanction status and a precise timeline for the project's completion.

The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 26, 2025, by which time the Government Pleader is expected to present the required information. This move aims to bring transparency and accelerate the long-delayed infrastructure project that is crucial for the region's connectivity and development.

Bottom Line:

The court directed the Government Pleader to provide specific instructions regarding the status of the Pizhala-Kadamakudy Bridge construction project, including details on financial sanction and completion timelines.

Statutory provision(s): Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB), Public Works Department (PWD), G.O.(Rt) No.942/2017/PWD

Alex Manavalan v. Goshree Development Authority, (GIDA), (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2812036