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The first floating bridge in the Thiruvananthapuram district is now open at Papanasam Beach in Varkala, a major tourist destination in the state.
Tourism Minister Mr P. A. Mohamed Riyas inaugurated the floating bridge and water sports activities on the beach. Mr Riyas said that the state needed to realise the potential of beach tourism. The government intends to move forward with its project of linking tourist places along its vast seacoast spread across nine of its 14 districts.
The bridge is 100 meters long length and three metres wide, with pillars on both sides. At the end of the bridge, there is a platform 11 metres long and seven metres wide, enabling visitors to enjoy the scenery far off the sea.
Constructed with 1,400 high-density floating polyethene blocks, the floating bridge is equipped with safety measures, including safety boats, life jackets and lifeguards.
“There is a huge potential for beach tourism in Kerala, and it will be utilised effectively. Kerala`s coastline is ideal for water sports. But there are a few projects now. If effectively utilised, it will immensely contribute to the state`s revenue,” he said.
The floating bridge at Varkala, which is expected to give a fillip to tourism in the area, has been set up by the Department of Tourism in association with the District Tourism Promotion Council, Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society and the Municipality of Varkala.
Around 100 visitors can enter the floating bridge at a time, and the entry will be from 11:00 am to 05:00 pm.
