In harmony with the ongoing festive season, in Kerala, Southern Naval Command redeemed its pledge to the city of Kochi by contributing Rs 12.5 Crores towards construction of the new bridge spanning Ernakulam channel near the Naval Base.
The amount is approximately one third of the cost of the bridge. The gesture followed approval of the same by the Ministry of Defence. The transaction was formalised when Shri Oommen Chandy , the Chief Minister accepted the cheque from Vice Admiral KN Sushil , Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command. Shri Chandy was on his maiden visit to the Naval Base, after he assumed Office in May.
In his address, the Chief Minister declared that the new bridge is being named Venduruthy- Vikrant Bridge in honour of India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier being constructed at the nearby Cochin Shipyard. This will probably be the first time anywhere in the world that a bridge is named after a warship of the nation. Shri Oomen Chandy also expressed the gratitude of people of Kerala to the Indian Navy for the all the help rendered during accidents and natural calamities. Vice Admiral Sushil while thanking the Chief Minister for accepting the invitation at short notice also pledged the might of Southern Naval Command for any assistance required for the State Government in times of need.
The Mayor of Kochi, and Shri PC Harikesh , Chief Operating Officer of the Kerala Road Board Fund were present on the occasion. Commodore Sunil Anand of Southern Naval Command welcomed the gathering while Commodore MR Ajaykumar, Naval Officer in Charge Kerala, proposed the vote of thanks. Rear Admiral Sudarshan Shrikhande , Chief of Staff Southern Naval Command and several hundred Naval personnel witnessed the ceremony.
[mappress] Source: indiannavy, September 8, 2011;