Kollam‑Koyilandy Harbour Link Completed with Two New Bridges

The completion of two new bridges linking Kollam to Koyilandy harbour marks the culmination of a ₹1.16 crore project financed by the Harbour Engineering Department. The bridges, spanning a total length of 3.5 kilometres, provide a direct coastal route that bypasses the congested national highway. The project was inaugurated by the state chief minister in a ceremony attended by local fisherfolk and officials.

Prior to the bridges, fisherfolk from Kollam, Arayankavu, and Gurukulam beach had to navigate a circuitous route that added hours to their commute. Funding challenges had delayed construction, as the state budget was stretched by competing infrastructure demands. Coordination between the harbour authority and the state road agency was essential to align design standards and ensure seamless integration.

The new link is expected to reduce travel time by 30 minutes and lower transportation costs for fish exports, thereby increasing profit margins for local fishermen. The improved connectivity also opens opportunities for ancillary businesses such as cold storage and logistics. In the next twelve months, the bridge network could stimulate regional trade and elevate the economic profile of the coastal belt.