Two high-level bridges across Thurinjal river, a tributary of the Then Pennai river, in Tiruvannamalai district, were opened to the public on Tuesday, bringing relief to hundreds of motorists.

Officials of State Highways, which executed the work, said that the new high-level bridge will connect Veraiyur and Thandarai villages. It replaces the existing dilapidated causeway, which was built in the 1970s, but badly damaged during 2021 floods. "Before the new bridge was constructed, we had to carry a stick to cross the river to reach the government hospital in Tiruvannamalai, the nearest town some 15 kms away, for treatment. During monsoon, we take a detour at least 15 kms in tractors to reach the hospital," said R. Sevanthi, a resident.

An official said the new bridges has been a long-standing demand of residents, including students and farmers. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Accompanied by Deputy Speaker of Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, K. Pitchandi and Collector K. Tharpagaraj, Minister for Public Works and Highways E.V. Velu inaugurated the new bridges.

"The new bridges were a long-standing demand of residents, including students and farmers. Approach roads have also been laid to facilitate free flow of traffic across the river," K.R. Venketasan, Assistant Divisional Engineer (ADE), State Highways (Tiruvannamalai), told The Hindu.

As per a study by the Highways Department, more than 12,000 vehicles have been using the damaged causeway across the river, risking their lives especially during rains. Funded under NABARD XXVIII 2023-24 scheme, the ₹6.17 crore two-lane bridge is 60 metres long and 12 metres wide with at least 50 LED street lights on the bridge and its service lanes. Tiled footpaths with steel hand railings will also be provided.

Likewise, the new ₹6.70 crore bridge between Su Valavetti and Valasai village near Tiruvannamalai town across the river is 80 metres long and 11.65 metres wide. Both the bridges have been built around five metres from the river bed to prevent inundation of the facility during monsoon.

These new bridges will help residents in at least 20 surrounding villages. The two-lane facility will help to introduce bus services to these villages from Tiruvannamalai town, the nearest bus depot. Ambulances can also reach these villages using the new facility.

Residents cheer opening of two high-level bridges across Then Pennai river in Tiruvannamalai