Public works and highway EV Velu unveiled a new bridge across Cheyyar near Tiruvannamalai Kalasapakkam on Friday. Tiruvannamalai collector K. Tharpagaraj can also be seen. |Picture source: Special arrangement
A new high-level bridge opened on Friday across Cheyyar, a tributary of the then Pennai, located on Chengam-Polur High Road in the village of Keel Thamaraipakkam near Kalasapakkam in Tiruvannamalai, ending the long-term demands of residents of at least 20 surrounding villages.
State road officials that built the new facility said the new bridge was built between the villages of Thamaraipakkam and Mahadeva Mangalam. Currently, there are similar river bridges in Kalasapakkam and Kanchi villages. Residents must go to these bridges to reach large cities such as Pohr, Alani, Chengmu and Tiruvannamalai.
The new bridge will be travelling for a long time to the nearest bridge that can be used in the surrounding villages. “During the monsoon, agricultural villages will be cut off from other parts of the region as the number of water flows in the river increases. The new bridge will ensure that U.S. ambulances are on time and will launch bus services to villages along the river,” said resident G. Sevanthi.
Public Works and Highways Minister Ev Velu unveiled the bridge in front of Deputy Speaker K. Pitchandi, the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu, and Deputy Speaker K. Tharpagaraj.
Funded by Nabard under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)-28 program in 2022-23, the Rs 115.05 crore bridge is 182.80 meters long and 12 meters wide, enough to allow two buses to use at one time. “About 100,000 residents will benefit from the new bridge, including farmers and traders on the river, as they can get to other places faster. School students can trample to the nearest school across the river.” Murugan, assistant executive engineer (AEE) of Tiruvannamalai State Highway (Rural Roads) told Hindus.
When Cheyyar and Pennai Rivers witnessed the excess rainwater flow during the monsoon, the new bridge was built at a height of 4.93 meters from the riverbed to prevent lane flooding and its structure. The new facility can discharge approximately 50,000 cusecs of water per second. It has tiled sidewalks, LED lights, entrances, draining rainwater into the river, reflectors, signboards and hand railings.
The new bridge is the lifeline of at least 20 surrounding villages, including Naidumangalam, Thenemathimangalam, Nayambadi, Arunagirimangalam, Kovilmathimangalam, Kovilmathimangalam, Kodikuppam and Sholavaram. Before the new bridge, residents must carry patients to the Primary Health Care Center (PHC) in Kalasapakkam during the summer, during the deep water of the waist in the river. Because bus services are not provided for these villages due to the lack of bridges earlier, commuters, including students and office participants, must travel to the nearest bus stop long distances.
Highway officials said a 272.50 metres close-up road – Polur High Road, has been paved between the new bridge and Chengam, allowing motorists to better connectivity with nearby towns.
publishing – April 11, 2025 11:53 pm ist
