A report on the Kundamala bridge collapse has been submitted by the Collectorate to the state government

Kundamala Bridge Collapse Report Submitted, Awaits Government Action

The Idukki District Collectorate has formally submitted its comprehensive report on the recent Kundamala bridge collapse to the Kerala state government, a significant move that locals hope will bring answers and action after the vital infrastructure failure. The sudden collapse of the 40-meter bridge last month severed a crucial transportation link for thousands in the high-range region, isolating communities and disrupting daily life during heavy monsoon rains.

According to sources familiar with the document, the report avoids attributing the collapse to a single cause, instead outlining what is described as a "cumulative failure." The investigation points to the bridge's aging structure, prolonged exposure to harsh weather, and the exceptional pressure from floodwaters carrying debris during record rainfall. The report also examines potential lapses in maintenance and inspection, particularly of the structure's underwater foundations, which may have allowed weaknesses to develop unnoticed.

A senior official from the Collectorate confirmed the submission, stating, "The report is comprehensive and fact-based. It is now with the state government for their perusal and decision on the future course of action." The findings mark the end of the local investigation and place the responsibility for the next steps squarely with state authorities.

For the residents of Kundamala and surrounding villages, the report is a long-awaited first step toward justice and a solution. The collapse has forced farmers, students, and workers to take long, dangerous detours, crippling the local economy and cutting off access to essential services. "The bridge was our lifeline. Its collapse has pushed us back by decades," said Rajesh Mathew, a local cardamom farmer. "We don't just want a report to sit on a shelf. We want a new, stronger bridge built with transparency and urgency. The government must act now."

Attention now turns to the state's Public Works Department (PWD), which is expected to review the report's conclusions. The community awaits announcements regarding accountability, approval for a new bridge design, and a clear, accelerated timeline for construction. As the monsoon continues, the submission of the report offers a glimmer of hope to those stranded, who are watching closely to see if the government's response will match the severity of the crisis they face every day.