Kerala's first bowstring steel arch bridge over the Periyar at Neriamangalam to open before 15 October
30 September 2026
A new bowstring steel arch bridge at Neriamangalam across the Periyar River on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway is in its final stage, with opening promised before 15 October 2026.
The bridge is 214 metres long and 13 metres wide, with five spans of 42 metres each.
It has been built parallel to the old British-era arch bridge, which is being retained.
Onmanorama calls it Kerala's first bowstring steel arch bridge, named for the steel rods that resemble a bow.
The aim is to ease traffic congestion on the highway stretch at Neriamangalam.
In plain words
Bowstring arch Bowstring arch bridge — A bridge whose arch is tied at its ends so that it works like a drawn bow.
Periyar Periyar River — Kerala's longest river, which flows through Idukki and Ernakulam districts.