Kerala polls 2026: Fresh proposal revives hope for Perikalloor–Bairakuppa bridge

Wayanad: For decades, residents of Perikalloor in Kerala’s Wayanad district and Bairakuppa in neighbouring Karnataka have depended on small boats to cross the river that separates their villages. Despite sharing close social and economic ties, the absence of a bridge has forced locals to risk their lives, especially during the monsoon season.

A bridge connecting the two villages was proposed several years ago but the project was stalled due to environmental clearance issues, as the initial plan reportedly involved forest land. Over time, the proposal faded into what many residents describe as a “rusted promise”.

However, with the Kerala State Assembly elections approaching later this year, the long-pending demand has regained political attention. A revised proposal is now under consideration, designed to avoid forest areas and address earlier environmental concerns.

The renewed momentum has sparked fresh hope among villagers on both sides of the interstate boundary. Karnataka authorities have reportedly expressed readiness to support the updated plan, adding to optimism that the project could finally move forward.

For residents, the bridge is more than just infrastructure — it represents safer access to schools, healthcare, markets, and workplaces. During heavy rains, the river swells, making boat travel dangerous and sometimes impossible, cutting off families from essential services.

As election season intensifies, people in Perikalloor and Bairakuppa are once again looking to policymakers for action rather than assurances. Separated by geography but united in their demand, locals hope that this time, the promise of a bridge will translate into reality.