A new high-level bridge across Cheyyar near Kalasapakkam in Tiruvannamalai was recently unveiled by Minister for Public Works and Highways E.V. Velu, bringing relief to residents of 20 surrounding villages who have long awaited this crucial infrastructure upgrade. The inauguration ceremony, graced by Tiruvannamalai Collector K. Tharpagaraj, marked a significant milestone in the region’s development and connectivity efforts.
Bridge Over Troubled Waters
The newly opened bridge, spanning across Cheyyar, a tributary of Then Pennai, on Chengam – Polur High Road at Keel Thamaraipakkam village, is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving transportation infrastructure in the area. This vital link will not only facilitate easier access to neighboring towns like Polur, Arani, Chengam, and Tiruvannamalai but also ensure timely emergency services, such as ambulances, for the local farming communities, especially during the monsoon season when overflowing rivers can cut off access routes.
G. Sevanthi, a resident of the region, expressed relief at the new bridge, highlighting the challenges faced by villagers during the rainy season and the impact on essential services. The bridge’s strategic location between Keel Thamaraipakkam and Then Mahadeva Mangalam villages will not only streamline transportation but also pave the way for enhanced connectivity and economic opportunities for the approximately one lakh residents, comprising farmers, traders, and students, in the vicinity.
Engineering Marvel and Community Lifeline
Constructed at a cost of Rs 115.05 crore under the NABARD-funded Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) -28 scheme for 2022-23, the 182.80 meters long and 12 meters wide bridge has been meticulously designed to withstand the region’s challenging weather conditions. With a capacity to discharge around 50,000 cusecs of water per second, the bridge’s elevated structure at 4.93 meters above the riverbed ensures uninterrupted flow during heavy rainfall, safeguarding against inundation and structural damage.
T. Murugan, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) at State Highways (Rural Roads) in Tiruvannamalai, emphasized the multifaceted benefits of the new bridge, from improved access for school students to enhanced emergency response capabilities. The inclusion of modern amenities such as tiled footpaths, LED lights, rainwater inlets, reflectors, signboards, and hand railings underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring not just functional but also safe and user-friendly infrastructure for the community.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the high-level bridge across Cheyyar near Kalasapakkam in Tiruvannamalai marks a significant milestone in the region’s development trajectory, promising improved connectivity, accessibility, and resilience for residents and commuters alike. As the bridge becomes a lifeline for the 20 surrounding villages, ushering in a new era of progress and prosperity, it stands as a shining example of effective governance and public infrastructure planning in action.
