Malappuram:
Fulfilling a five-decade long demand of people in the area, the Rs 154 crore Chamravattom regulator-cum-bridge across the Bharatpuzha, connecting Ponnani and Tirur in Malappuram district,was inaugurated by the Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
The dream project was realised due to the efforts of the people of the area, Mr Chandy said.
He also flagged-off 16 state transport buses to different routes on the occasion.
The project would help solve the irrigation problems in the area.
The bridge, 978 metre long and 7.5 metre wide, would also reduce the travelling distance between Kozhikode and Ernakulam by 40 kilometres, Tirur and Ponnani by 20 kilometres and reduce the distance between Ponnani and Malappuram by 10 kilometres.
The bridge was expected to reduce the traffic congestion at Edappal, Valanchery and Kottakkal towns.
Those who attended the function included Kerala ministers PK Kunhalikutty and Aryadan Mohammed, former ministers in the LDF Paloli Mohammedkutty and NK Premachandran.