Kerala HC Directs State To Consider Review Plea Of 'Metroman' E. Sreedharan Against Construction Of Thiruvanaya – Thavanur Bridge Within 2 Weeks

The petitioner, who is the renowned engineer behind the Konkon Railway and Delhi Metro Rail Project had earlier moved the High Court saying that his proposal to realign the bridge would preserve the religious sanctity of Holy Trinity Temples. As per his submission, the current proposed bridge by the Government divided the Holy Trinity Temples - the Vishnu Temple at Thiruvanaya in Malappuram district on the north bank of Bharathapuzha river from the temples dedicated to Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu at Thavanur on the south bank of the river He submitted that proposed bridge would thus affect 'religious sanctity' and hurt religious sentiments of Hindu devotees. The High Court while disposing the case had directed the State to take into consideration the recommendation of Dr. Sreedharan.

After hearing the petitioner as per the Court's directions, the Public Works Department issued an order saying that though the plan submitted by the petitioner was a good one, implementing it would cause further delay in implementing the project and cause financial loss to the government. On these grounds, his plan was rejected.

Against this, the petitioner filed a review petition before the Government saying that his proposal was more cost effective and the proposed changes could be accommodated within the contracted period itself. The petitioner submitted before the Court that hasty steps are taken for construction of the bridge and that the petitioner would be without any remedy if the construction of the south end is completed before consideration of the review petition.

The petition came before the bench of Justice G. Girish and Justice P. V. Balakrishnan on Friday and it was decided on the same day itself directing the State to consider the review petition immediately and at any rate within 14 days.

Counsel for the Petitioners: Advocates Sajith Kumar V., Vivek A. V., Ammu M., Arun S., Ajin Dev S. S.,

Counsel for the Respondents: Advocates T. K. Vipin Das (GP), Resmitha R. Chandran (SC), S. Chandrasekharan Nair (SC)

Case No: WP(PIL) 30 of 2025

Case Title: Dr. E. Sreedharan v State of Kerala and Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 252

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