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Judgment
Soumen Sen, C. J.
Heard Ms. Maya M., learned counsel representing Mr. V. M. Krishnakumar, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. P. I. Davis, learned Special Government Pleader.
The need for expeditious completion of the Attapillykadavu Regulator-cum-Bridge across the Kurumali River was highlighted in the order dated 03.10.2023. However, the bridge has not yet been made operational, as the work of the approach road had not commenced until recently. By order dated 23.02.2026, this Court directed the respondents to invite bids at the benchmark rate of 19.87% above the estimated PAC, while keeping the offer of the existing tender alive.
Today, an affidavit has been filed by the Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department. In paragraph 3 thereof, it is stated that, pursuant to the manual tender invited, no bidder has submitted the tender when it was opened on 18.03.2026. Consequently, the bidder who had quoted 19.87% above the estimated PAC remains the sole bidder.
In view of the above, we direct the Government to approve the said tender and to take all necessary administrative and financial steps to complete the construction of the approach road as expeditiously as possible. We are informed that administrative approval will be issued within a week, and therefore, there should be no impediment in issuing the work order. The urgency of making the bridge operational has been emphasized in a series of orders passed in these proceedings. The Court has also repeatedly expressed serious concern regarding the difficulties faced by the local residents due to the non-operation of the bridge.
We hope and trust that the approach road will be completed within a reasonable time, preferably within a period of six months from today. In the event of any unreasonable delay, it will be open to the writ petitioner to approach this Court.
The writ petition is accordingly disposed of.