“To dream, big is a matter of choice, To reach that dream is a matter of discipline…”
This week I am taking you through my little beautiful town the Venice of the East. The backwaters, the lagoons, the lakeside, and its long sandy beaches beckon you to one of the world’s best destinations. Alleppey, now known as Alappuzha is the oldest town in Kerala with rich History. Its called the ‘Venice of the East’ as it’s a land blessed with natural beauty. Its a land sandwiched between the sea and the backwaters. The lush green Kuttanad region, the rice bowl of Kerala represents Alappuzha ’s crowning glory. Kuttanad ranks amongst the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. The remnants of the old structures are still visible throughout the town. The old dilapidated pier and its rail tracks, the stump of the flag mast, the lighthouse etc were all once the beehives of activity.
This town owes its modern face to Raja Kesavadas the architect whose vision made it rich and profitable in the 18th Century. The two canals which form the backbone of the town enabled transport to various parts of Kerala. The boats who used to carry out many activities in the yesteryears now play various roles. The Snakeboats were the War Horses of the past, now they spring to life for the World’s Biggest Watery Pageant the Snake Boat Races. Coir was and is still the main industry of the town. Of late Alappuzha has emerged as a major Tourist Spot on the world map. The backwaters are spotted with many House Boats which provide modern facilities, exclusive cuisines etc.
After many months this evening, my husband and I had gone for a drive to the beach. And I happened to see the much-awaited ambitious Alleppey Bypass project nearing completion. As we drove past we were talking about the much-awaited project inauguration. It’s been more than 30 years since the bypass remained a dream in the pipeline. I was learning in school when the plan had begun. It got delayed in land acquisition and in confusions that had risen whether a flyover alongside Alappuzha beach was needed. The project got underway in 2015 when union minister for road transport highways and shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari launched the construction work. The 6.8 km was to be completed by 2017 but it’s sad to see that we are nearing the end of 2018 and it has not been completed yet.
The two-lane bypass links Kommady on the north and Kalarcode in the south on the western side of the national highway. the road has two main junctions Kommady and Kalarcode. One of the major features of the bypass is the 3.2 km stretch of elevated highway that passes Alappuzha beach. It could become a major tourist attraction and add another feather to our beautiful town. The state and the union Govts are bearing the cost. The work has been slowed down at two places. As the state govt is waiting for the railways to approve the construction of two railway bridges at Kuthirppanthi and Malikkmukku.
Otherwise, the project is progressing, the work on the bypass roads and service roads are in progress. If things go as planned the bypass can be commissioned by the end of this year. Once completed it’s going to be a relief for the people of Alleppey. As the town has been witnessing traffic jams for several years. Every year the population of vehicles on the roads are increasing and only little can be done to widen the roads. The bypass could be a big blessing to the little town as it will ensure smooth traffic to the people of the place and whoever passes by our little town.
rajesh says
super
vishalsneha says
Thank You…