The Hindu Business Line : Venduruthy bridge repair hits Kochi port cargo traffic

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Kochi March 2 The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry here has urged the Chief Minister and the PWD Minister to take immediate action to get the Venduruthy bridge connecting Ernakulam with the Willingdon Island repaired as the suspension of goods train traffic has brought the cargo movement to and from the Kochi port has come to a standstill.

In a press release the Chamber President, Mr K. Retnam said the bridge is the key link between Ernakulam and West Kochi area, which included Willingdon Island, Fort Cochin, Mattancherry, Edakochi etc. Besides, Cochin Port Trust, major trading centres, banks, warehouses etc are situated at Willingdon Island.

Due to the suspension of goods train service movement of containers to and from the port by rail has come to a standstill, he said.

Exporters are facing a lot of difficulties, as the cargo cannot be moved through rail, which may result in diversion of cargo to the neighbouring ports, he said. Add to this, the people working in various establishments in these places are also finding it difficult to reach their office due to non-availability of transport services through the parallel road bridge.

Rail and road traffic has been suspended after some of the pillars of bridge were hit by a dredger some days back.