In a milestone for Thiruvananthapuram, the district’s first-ever floating bridge has commenced operations at Varkala. The inauguration ceremony, led by Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas, took place at 10 am on Papanasam Beach, marking the official launch of the floating bridge and water sports activities.
This pioneering project, a collaboration between the Department of Tourism, District Tourism Promotion Council, Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society, and Varkala Municipality, is part of the tourism department’s ambitious initiative to establish floating bridges in coastal districts throughout the state. Varkala becomes the seventh location to benefit from the implementation of the floating bridge, anticipated to boost tourism in the area.
The venture, backed by private participation, represents an investment of Rs 3 crore, aiming to introduce adventure sports and enhance the overall tourist experience at Varkala.
It is noteworthy that the initial attempt to establish the first floating bridge at Adimalathura Beach faced obstacles due to protests from resort owners. Subsequently, the project was relocated to Varkala. The newly inaugurated bridge spans 100 meters in length and 3 meters in width, supported by pillars on both sides. At the bridge’s culmination, a spacious platform measuring 11 meters in length and seven meters in width provides visitors with a vantage point to savor panoramic views of the sea.