New ₹24-crore bridge across Then Pennar to be ready by December 2026

The State Highways department has expedited work on a new ₹24-crore high-level bridge across the Then Pennar river between Agarampallipattu and Thondamanur villages near Thandrampattu in Tiruvannamalai district. The project is expected to bring relief to residents of about 20 farming villages in the area, who have been forced to take a 30-km detour since the previous bridge collapsed.

The new bridge is being constructed as a replacement for the earlier structure, which was washed away in December 2024 after the Water Resources Department (WRD) released excess rainwater of over two lakh cusecs from Sathanur dam following heavy rain triggered by Cyclone Fengal.

According to S. Dinesh, Assistant Engineer (AE), State Highways (Tiruvannamalai), the design of the new bridge has been completely revised based on the existing water course of the river. "The new facility will be ready by December 2026 for public use," he said. Officials noted that the collapsed bridge, which was opened for public use in September 2024, lasted only three months before being destroyed.

The new bridge is being built about 300 metres away from the earlier spot across the river to ensure better alignment with the river's flow. This, officials say, will increase the structure's durability. The height of the new bridge has also been increased from four metres to ten metres above the riverbed. "The increased height helps prevent inundation of the carriageway of the bridge," Mr. Dinesh explained.

Funded under the Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme (CRIDP) 2024-25, the new bridge will be 356 metres long and 12 metres wide, sufficient for two buses to pass at the same time. It will feature tiled footpaths, LED lights, rainwater inlets, reflectors, sign boards, and hand railings. Approach roads will be laid to connect the bridge with surrounding villages.

Residents have expressed hope that the new bridge will restore essential services. D. Pulivendan, president of Thondamanur village panchayat, said, "The new bridge should be completed before the Northeast monsoon because it will help the village get ambulance services in a short time. The new facility will also help restore bus services in villages in the area."

Once completed, the bridge will significantly reduce travel time for residents who currently have to cover at least 30 km to reach nearby towns such as Polur, Arani, Chengam, and Tiruvannamalai. The project is being closely monitored to ensure timely completion, offering a safer and more reliable crossing for the local community.