T’puram: State human rights commission (SHRC) directed public works department (PWD) to conduct a high-level inquiry into complaints that the approach road and other connected infrastructure to the newly constructed Pappanamcode–Sathyan Nagar bridge remain incomplete despite the bridge having been inaugurated.SHRC chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas ordered PWD superintending engineer to examine the matter after a complaint alleged that the Rs 13-crore bridge was only partially functional due to the absence of a proper approach road.Commission instructed PWD assistant executive engineer to carry out a site inspection after issuing prior notice to the secretary of concerned local self-govt institution, ward member and assistant engineer. The inspection will assess the present status of the approach road, culvert and drainage works, identify the remaining construction activities, and determine the measures and time required to complete them.Based on the inspection report, superintending engineer was directed to issue appropriate instructions to the concerned officials to ensure the pending works are completed without delay. A comprehensive report has to be submitted before SHRC within two weeks.Thomas also directed assistant executive engineer, representing superintending engineer of PWD roads and bridges wing, to appear in person before SHRC during its sitting at PMG Junction office in Thiruvananthapuram at 10am on Aug 4.The bridge, measuring 26.9m in length and 13m in width, was built to improve connectivity across Karamana River. Residents had long depended on boats to cross the river during the monsoon season.Locals demanded that land be acquired to widen the road from Sathyan Nagar bridge to Malamelkunnu and complete the approach road, culvert and drainage works to make the bridge fully accessible.Commission initiated the proceedings suo motu based on media reports highlighting the issue.
