`Premam' bridge in Aluva closed due to safety concerns

Aluva: The aqueduct bridge in Aluva, famously known as Premam Bridge after its appearance in the Malayalam film Premam starring Nivin Pauly, has been closed by the Irrigation Department. The decision came after rising complaints about the bridge becoming a hotspot for drug activities and anti-social elements.

Located above the Periyar River, the bridge had become a problem area for residents, who struggled with drug dealers and other disturbances. Women and children particularly faced difficulties, with some residents even feeling unsafe leaving homes. 

Aluva Municipality Councilor Tintu Rajesh raised the issue with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during the Nava Kerala Sadas program and at the municipal council meeting. The council unanimously agreed to close the bridge, leading to the installation of gates at key points: Uliyannoor Kadavu, UC College, and Thottakkattukara. The Irrigation Department funded approximately ₹1 lakh to install these gates.

The gates have been installed at the entrance and walkways, with the keys securely managed by the Irrigation Department.

Originally built nearly 50 years ago for agricultural water transport, the aqueduct had become an abandoned pedestrian route before gaining fame from the movie.

It is designed to transport water from Bhoothathankettu to Paravoor. Its primary function was to carry water for agricultural purposes from an underground pipeline through Aluva to the UC College area, eventually flowing into the Periyar Valley canal.