Date:20/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/20/stories/2006122006410300.htm

Kerala - Kollam

President to open Amrita Setu today

Staff Reporter

KOLLAM: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will inaugurate Amrita Setu, the bridge constructed by the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

The bridge connects the Alapad panchayat with the mainland.

Amrita Setu was constructed as part of the Math's Rs.100-crore tsunami-relief programme.

Alapad panchayat was devastated the most by the tsunami which hit India's coast.

The inauguration will take place at Amritapuri in the presence of Mata Amritanandamayi.

The construction of the bridge began on September 14, 2005.

Till now, there was only one bridge on the Alapad island, located on its southern tip. Amrita Setu is centrally located.

Ornamental hand-railings and two pillars at the entrance on each side depicting the Northern Kerala art form of Theyyam add to the beauty of the 100-metre bridge.