Kerala, Karnataka coordinating to fast-track Bairakuppa bridge: Priyanka Gandhi

Wayanad, Kerala: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday said the proposed Bairakuppa bridge connecting Kerala and Karnataka is expected to move forward soon, with both state governments coordinating efforts to expedite the project.

Addressing a District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting at the Wayanad Collectorate, Priyanka said the bridge is proposed to be built under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).

She said she had written to the Karnataka Chief Minister regarding the project and had also personally visited the proposed site.

According to the Wayanad MP, an alternative alignment through revenue land has been identified instead of forest land on the Karnataka side, raising hopes that the project will soon receive the necessary approvals.

Priyanka also said the delays in the Churam bypass road and the Thalipuzha-Chippilithode road projects had been brought to the attention of the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways.

She said she had taken up with the Centre the delay in the release of funds under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) scheme as well as issues affecting coffee farmers in Wayanad.

The Congress leader added that the progress of the Wayanad Medical College and the proposed Tribal University had also been discussed with the Kerala Chief Minister.

She said the proposed Tribal University is intended to be developed into an Institute of Excellence while preserving the culture and heritage of tribal communities.

Priyanka further said the Union Health Minister had assured her that delays in releasing National Health Mission funds, clearing pending Ayushman Bharat dues and disbursing incentives to ASHA workers would be addressed expeditiously.

She directed officials to ensure the timely implementation of projects jointly funded by the Centre and the state.

The DISHA meeting reviewed the implementation of several central schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PM-JANMAN, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, along with other district development initiatives.

Agriculture Minister T Siddique, MLAs I C Balakrishnan and Usha Vijayan, District Panchayat President Chandrika Krishnan, District Collector D R Meghashree and senior officials attended the meeting.