The State Highways Department has moved decisively to finalize the construction of a significant two-lane high-level bridge over the Kamadalam Naganathi river. Near Arani town’s old bus terminus in Tiruvannamalai, structures encroaching upon the Arcot – Villupuram Main Road (SH-4) were recently cleared to allow for the construction of essential bitumen approach roads.
According to State Highways officials overseeing the project, many of these demolished encroachments consisted of homes and small businesses that had been established over two decades ago. The land around the bus terminus where these structures stood rightfully belongs to the State Highways. S. Jayanthi, a Junior Engineer with State Highways (Projects), confirmed that an additional 125 square meters of land was also acquired to complete the approach roads for the bridge, which is on track for completion by the end of the year.
This new high-level bridge is designed to significantly improve connectivity, linking Irumbedu and neighboring villages directly to Arani town. It will take the place of an old, severely damaged causeway, originally built in the 1970s, which succumbed to the devastating floods of 2021. Local resident B. Murugan highlighted the current inconvenience, stating, ‘Because the damaged causeway has been closed to traffic for several years due to its poor condition, we’ve had to make detours of at least 15 kilometers to reach towns like Polur and Tiruvannamalai.’
A study conducted by the Highways Department revealed that over 12,000 vehicles previously used the compromised causeway daily, often at great risk, particularly during monsoon seasons. The new bridge, a crucial development, commenced construction in January 2024 and is being built at an estimated cost of ₹19.60 crore, financed through the Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme (CRIDP) for 2023-24.
Spanning 184.80 meters in length and 15 meters in width, the two-lane bridge will feature modern amenities including at least 50 LED streetlights illuminating both the main bridge and its service lanes. For pedestrian safety, tiled footpaths with sturdy steel hand railings are also being installed. Strategically, the bridge’s base has been constructed approximately five meters above the river bed to effectively prevent flooding during heavy monsoon rains.
In the cleared areas along the stretch, new approach roads are being constructed. These roads will be 12 meters wide and 200 meters long, complete with integrated footpaths and efficient storm water drainage systems. These vital access routes will seamlessly link the new bridge to Irumbedu village and the old bus terminus in Arani town, with completion expected in the coming weeks.