Bridge in Malappuram will hurt Hindu sentiments, BJP leader E Sreedharan moves HC

E. Sreedharan, the technocrat-turned-politician known for his leadership in infrastructure projects like the Konkan Railways and the Delhi Metro, has moved the Kerala High Court seeking an order against the proposed bridge connecting Thavanur and Thirunavaya, arguing that it would hurt the sentiments of Hindus.

In a public interest litigation (PIL) filed at the Kerala High Court, Sreedharan argues that the bridge connecting Thavanur and Thirunavaya will harm Hindu religious sentiments by dividing two significant temples.

Despite the PIL, construction of the bridge commenced with much fanfare on September 8, under the auspices of the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala Limited (RBDCK), The News Minute reported.

The proposed bridge, as per Sreedharan's petition, will affect the Navamukunda temple at Thirunavaya and the Cherutirunavaya Brahma-Siva temple, which are located on opposite sides of the Bharathapuzha river.

Together, the two temples form the ‘Trimurti sangama’, a site of religious importance, and Sreedharan contends that the bridge's construction will disrupt this sacred connection. Additionally, the petition claims that the construction could encroach on the memorial of freedom fighter K. Kelappan, further aggravating the sensitivities of the local Hindu community.

The Kerala High Court has not yet issued any stay on the bridge’s construction but has asked the state government and other respondents to submit statements to ascertain whether there is any public interest involved in the project.

Meanwhile, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister P.A. Muhammed Riyas officially inaugurated the construction works, accompanied by Thavanur MLA K.T. Jaleel, who has dismissed the PIL as politically motivated.

Jaleel, pointing to Sreedharan’s recent affiliation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), suggested that the PIL was a result of partisan politics rather than genuine concern. He emphasised that the alignment for the bridge was decided by experts in the PWD and that the construction would not divide the temple properties, as they are separate entities.

Moreover, he argued that the bridge is being built on private land and will not interfere with the Kelappan memorial. In fact, Jaleel added, the bridge will be named in honour of K. Kelappan.

Supporters of the project argue that the bridge is a long-awaited development that will benefit the local community. Each year, temporary bridges are erected to connect the two panchayats for the annual Sarvodaya mela, and a permanent structure has been a longstanding demand.

Thavanur Panchayat President Naseera C.P. stated that the bridge will improve access to the Vishnu temple on the other side of the river, making it easier for devotees to reach both religious sites.

An official from the RBDCK clarified that the alignment was finalised years ago, and a subsequent re-inspection following Sreedharan’s petition found no obstacles to the free movement of devotees.

The PWD, responsible for the project’s oversight, confirmed that no adverse impacts were identified during the inspection. Despite Sreedharan’s claim that he had reached out to Kerala’s Chief Minister and PWD Minister to propose alternative routes, no response was provided.

The bridge, set to be constructed by the Uralungal Labour Contract Society, has an estimated cost of Rs 48.83 crore. The 1.2-kilometre structure will feature a 380-metre approach road and an 11-metre width with pavements on both sides. The RBDCK aims to complete the project within a year. The Kerala High Court has scheduled the next hearing for the case on September 30.