Canal City project will redefine Kozhikode’s urban landscape, says Minister

Public Works and Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas has said the ambitious Canal City project in Kozhikode will be developed on the Paris model, transforming the Conolly Canal into a hub for passenger transport, cargo movement, and tourism.

Inaugurating a new bridge at Puthiyapalam across the Conolly Canal on Friday, Mr. Riyas said that ₹73.21 crore had been sanctioned for the first phase development of the Canal City project.

“Development initiatives are under way to transform Calicut into a New Calicut. The State government has sanctioned ₹1,312.67 crore for the development of 12 roads in Kozhikode city. The government has given unparalleled attention to the city’s development. Although the target was to construct 100 bridges in Kerala within five years, more than 150 have been completed,” Mr. Riyas said, adding that the new bridge at Puthiyapalam would benefit the entire city.

The new bridge connects Puthiyapalam with Meenchanda Mini Bypass. The work began after ₹60 crore was sanctioned through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) in 2022.

The bowstring arch bridge, constructed at a cost of ₹16.53 crore, is 195 metres long and 11 metres wide. Approach roads have also been built on both sides. An amount of ₹40 crore was spent on land acquisition. The construction was carried out by the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB).

With the opening of the new bridge, access to the railway station, Palayam, Thali and Kallai has become easier. As the Conolly Canal is part of the National Waterway, the bridge has been designed with the required vertical clearance.

Ahamed Devarkovil, MLA, presided.