No need to go to Goa and Thailand for water sports, enjoy it in Kerala itself; capital's first floating bridge opened in Varkala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A floating bridge has been opened in Varkala as a Christmas and New Year gift. Minister PA Mohammed Riyas said that floating bridges will be constructed in every district with beaches effectively utilizing the potential of water sports in Kerala. The minister was inaugurating the first floating bridge in Thiruvananthapuram district at Varkala Papanasham.

The minister said that beach tourism will be popularized in Kerala and the aim of the project is to make use of such opportunities in their own state for Malayalees who visit Goa and Thailand for water sports. This will make water sports accessible to common people. The Minister also stated that the economic prosperity and employment opportunities of Kerala will increase by making such projects a reality.

The master plan for tourism development will be implemented in Varkala in 2024. The minister said that all steps will be taken to make Varkala an international destination and the floating bridge is the strength of Varkala's tourism development.

The floating bridge was made a reality by Thiruvananthapuram District Tourism Promotion Council in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society and Varkala Municipality.

The floating bridge is 100 meters long and three meters wide. At the last part of the bridge, a viewing platform has been prepared with a length of 11 meters and a width of seven meters. The bridge has the capacity to accommodate three hundred people at a time. Working hours are 11 am to 6 pm.

Safety boats, life jackets, life guards and fishermen will be on hand to ensure the safety of the tourists. The floating bridge in the sea was constructed by joining about 1,400 high-quality plastic blocks. Banana boat, jetski, speed boat, jet attack and ATV are also available for the tourists as part of water sports. The floating bridge entry fee is Rs 120. 20 minutes can be spent on the bridge.

V Joy MLA presided. Varkala Municipality Chairman KM Laji, Block Panchayat President Smita Sundaresan, Vice Chairperson Kumari Sudarshini, Deputy Director of Tourism Rajeev GL, Binu Kuriakose, chief executive officer of the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), DTPC Secretary Shyam Krishnan also participated.