Residents of Valanthakad, a tranquil island near Kochi, are celebrating the revival of a long-awaited bridge project connecting them to the mainland, with plans for bus connectivity now in the works. The new bus services are set to benefit Valanthakad’s nearly 15,000 residents, as well as the residents of Perumbalam, a nearby island, with enhanced public transportation options.

The Tripunithura Sub Regional Transport Office (RTO) has proposed 21 new routes, including the 5km-long Tripunithura-Valanthakad Kadavu and 28km-long South Paravoor Jetty-Vaduthala Jetty-Perumbalam stretches. These routes include four 'virgin' routes, aiming to provide last-mile connectivity to remote areas. Mini-buses are set to be deployed to serve these routes, benefiting people who currently walk long distances to reach public transport.

“We’ve finalised the routes based on suggestions received during various ‘janakeeya sadas’. Our main goal is to provide last-mile connectivity to areas like Valanthakad, where residents currently walk nearly 3km to avail public transportation,” said Abdul Rahman, joint RTO of Tripunithura.

The island's transportation woes are set to ease with the resumed work on the Valanthakad bridge. The bridge's main structure was completed one-and-a-half years ago, but progress stalled until recently when Rs 46 lakh was sanctioned to revive the project. Additionally, Rs 30 million has been allocated for constructing the approach roads, with funds provided by MP A.A. Rahim.

The new bridge will significantly improve access to Perumbalam, a remote island, once the Vaduthala bridge extension is completed. The introduction of bus services will provide a crucial link between South Paravoor, Ameda, and Aroor, greatly benefiting islanders.

The proposed routes include:

Kumbalam North to Edappally (18.6km) Chathamma to Edappally (17.5km) Nettoor North to Kakkanad (14.5km) Nettoor North to Medical College (20.5km) Nettoor North to Tripunithura (5.5km) Tripunithura to Aroor (10.5km) Tripunithura to Valanthakad Kadavu (4.75km) South Paravoor Jetty to Vaduthala (28km) Once approved, bus services will be auctioned for final route assignment, paving the way for smoother and more accessible transportation options for thousands of commuters in these expanding regions.