Goshree bridges is a system of bridges that link the mainland side of the city of
Kochi
Kochi (), also known as Cochin ( ) ( the official name until 1996) is a major port city on the Malabar Coast of India bordering the Laccadive Sea, which is a part of the Arabian Sea. It is part of the district of Ernakulam in the state of K ...
to the islands lying to the north of the backwaters.
It provides the vital road connectivity to the islands of
Bolgatty and
Vallarpadam
Vallarpadam is one among the group of islands, that form part of Kochi, in the state of Kerala, India. It is situated in the Vembanad Lake, locally known as The Kochi Lake and has a population of over 10,000. ''Vallarpadam'' is one of the two i ...
and also links the western island of
Vypin
Vypin (Malayalam: വൈപ്പിന്, Cochin Portuguese: Isla Santa) is one of the group of islands that form part of the city of Kochi (Cochin), in the Indian state of Kerala. Vypin forms a barrier island which lies between the Ar ...
to the mainland. The bridges start from the northern end of
Marine Drive between
High Court and
Pachalam
Pachalam is a region in the city of Kochi in Kerala, India. Goshree bridge road at Marine Drive side ends at Pachalam. Pachalam can also be reached by Chittoor Road. Mulavukad island is on its west, Vaduthala and Chittoor island is on its nort ...
.
![Goshree bridge kochi](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/Goshree_bridge_kochi.jpg)
The bridges are constructed by the
Goshree Islands Development Authority
Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) was established in 1994. It is one of the two government agencies for the development of Kochi City Region, Kerala along with GCDA which serves entire Cochin Corporation and surrounding municipalitie ...
(GIDA), constituted by the
Government of Kerala
Government of Kerala is the subnational government of the Indian state of Kerala. The government is led by a chief minister, who selects all the other ministers. The chief minister and their most senior ministers belong to the supreme decision ...
. The construction was funded by the sale proceeds of reclaimed land adjacent to the bridge.
The foundation stone was laid on 29 December 2000. The first segment between Ernakulam and Bolgatty was opened on 29 December 2003. The segment between Bolgatty and Vallarpadam was opened on 10 February 2004. The last segment was completed on 17 March 2004 and the entire bridge is formally opened on 5 June.
The bridge is the only means road connectivity to the Bolgatty and Vallarpadam islands. The launching of the
International Container Transshipment Terminal was made possible by these bridges. It also provides direct road connectivity to the city for the Vypin island and the suburbs to the northwest, which was relying upon ferry services earlier. Cherian Varkey Construction company was involved in its construction.
The new container road NH from
Mulavukad
Mulavukad, also known locally as Bolgatty Island, is one of the islands that forms part of the city of Kochi in Kerala, India. It is situated in the Mulavukad Grama Panchayat. Vypin island and Vallarpadam island lie on its west side and Vadut ...
will link the Malabar, Cochin,
North Paravur
North Paravur. formerly known as Paravur or Parur, is a municipality and suburb in Ernakulam district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is a northern suburb of the city of Kochi and is situated around 20 km from the city centre. It is ...
with mainland.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Goshree Bridges
Buildings and structures in Ernakulam district
Bridges in Kerala
Transport in Ernakulam district
Bridges completed in 2004
2004 establishments in Kerala