In a groundbreaking move to transform Kerala into a premier water sports destination, Thiruvananthapuram recently celebrated the inauguration of India’s first floating bridge at the picturesque Varkala Papanasam beach. Spearheaded by Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas, this innovative endeavor is set to redefine beach tourism and elevate Varkala’s status on the international stage.
Measuring an impressive 100 meters in length and 3 meters in width, the floating bridge is a collaborative triumph, bringing together the efforts of the Thiruvananthapuram District Tourism Promotion Council, the Department of Tourism, Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society, and Varkala Municipality. The project, fueled by a vision to tap into the vast potential of water sports in the region, promises not only a unique experience for tourists but also a significant boost to the local economy.
Minister Riyas expressed his commitment to popularizing beach tourism in Kerala, envisioning the floating bridge as a catalyst for creating employment opportunities and retaining tourists who typically travel to destinations like Goa and Thailand for water sports. With plans to construct similar bridges across districts with beaches, the Minister aims to make water sports accessible to the general public.
The floating bridge, positioned in the sea and crafted from approximately 1,400 high-quality plastic blocks, features a spacious viewing platform at its tail end, capable of accommodating up to 300 visitors at a time. To ensure safety, the bridge is equipped with safety boats, life jackets, and vigilant lifeguards, including local fishermen. Operating from 11 AM to 6 PM, visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports activities, including banana boat rides, jet skiing, speed boating, jet attacks, and ATV rides, all for an affordable entry fee of Rs 120.
The grand unveiling ceremony was presided over by MLA V Joy, with the enthusiastic participation of Varkala Municipality Chairman KM Laji, Block Panchayat President Smita Sundaresan, Vice Chairperson Kumari Sudarshini, Deputy Director of Tourism Rajeev GL, Binu Kuriakose, CEO of the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), and DTPC Secretary Shyam Krishnan.
Looking ahead, the Tourism Minister revealed plans to implement a comprehensive master plan for tourism development in Varkala by 2024, with aspirations to elevate the beach town to an international destination. The floating bridge stands as a key element in this visionary strategy, promising not only a boost to tourism but also a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors from around the globe.
