Bengaluru: Karnataka has granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the construction of the long-pending Bairakuppa bridge across the Kabani river on the Kerala-Karnataka border, marking a major step towards reviving an inter-state infrastructure project that has remained pending for decades.
The proposed bridge will connect Perikkalloor in Kerala’s Wayanad district with Bairakuppa in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, creating an alternative road link between the two neighbouring states.
NOC follows talks between Karnataka and Kerala
The announcement was made by Kerala Public Works Minister P A Basheer, who said the clearance was granted after discussions with Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in Bengaluru.
According to the minister, the NOC represents a significant breakthrough for the long-delayed project, which has been awaiting implementation despite repeated efforts by both states.
Basheer said he had earlier requested the Karnataka government to expedite land acquisition and environmental clearances required for the approach road on the Karnataka side.
Project pending for over three decades
The Bairakuppa bridge project has remained on paper for nearly 36 years, even though its foundation stone was laid decades ago.
The proposal later received in-principle approval from the then Union Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways on March 15, 2002, but construction could not proceed because of pending approvals and other administrative hurdles.
Officials said the latest clearance is expected to help move the project towards implementation.
Kerala approach road completed
According to the Kerala government, the approach road on the Kerala side has already been completed.
However, work on the Karnataka side is yet to begin, making land acquisition and statutory clearances essential before construction of the bridge can commence.
The NOC issued by Karnataka is expected to facilitate the remaining procedures required to take the project forward.
Better connectivity for Kerala and Karnataka
Once completed, the Bairakuppa bridge will provide a direct alternative route linking Pulpally, Sultan Bathery, Kalpetta and Kozhikode in Kerala with Mysuru and Bengaluru in Karnataka.
The improved road network is expected to benefit daily commuters, tourists, commercial transport operators and local residents by providing a shorter and more convenient travel route.
Officials also believe the bridge will strengthen economic and social ties between the two states by improving regional connectivity.
Alternative to Bandipur route
One of the major advantages of the proposed bridge is that it will offer travellers an alternative to the existing route through the Bandipur National Park on National Highway 766, where night traffic restrictions are in force to protect wildlife.
The new corridor is expected to reduce dependence on the Bandipur route while improving travel convenience for motorists moving between Kerala and Karnataka.
According to Kerala Public Works Minister P A Basheer, the bridge is also expected to reduce the distance between Sultan Bathery and Bengaluru by around 40 kilometres, resulting in shorter travel time and improved transport efficiency.
Key step towards implementation
The issuance of the no-objection certificate is being viewed as an important milestone in reviving one of the oldest pending inter-state infrastructure projects between Kerala and Karnataka.
With the clearance now in place, both state governments are expected to work on completing the remaining formalities so that construction of the bridge can begin, paving the way for enhanced connectivity, smoother travel and greater economic opportunities for border regions.