Work on road bridge across Katpadi-Vellore rail line delayed.

The construction of a road bridge across the Katpadi-Vellore-Tiruvannamalai railway line is moving at a slower pace than expected.

Residents of Ariyur demanded the construction of the bridge, which is estimated to cost ₹22.93 crore

The work on the bridge, which started in July 2016, went on till July 2018 following a delay in putting up the central span across the tracks though the approaches on both sides were completed by the State highways department.

Multiple protests

Due to delay in work, local residents and motorists are forced to spend more on fuel as they have to take a 6-km detour via Pennatthur or a 7-km circuitous route via Abdullapuram.

After several protests by residents over the delay, Anaicut MLA A.P. Nandakumar intervened to convince the railway officials to have a mud road underneath the bridge under construction, But it is usable only by two-wheelers.

A regular commuter from Thorapadi, V. Harikrishnan said devotees have been put to a lot of hardship due to the detour. He said that the work restarted after elections but still the officials do not know when the work will end. “Till then we have to put up with the dust,” he added. The major portion of the bridge was completed by Highways department. The railways is yet to complete the work on the centre portion of the bridge.

“We have been in constant touch with railway officials with regard to their portion of work, which may be completed in the next few days. Once completed, traffic would be allowed on the bridge,” said a Highways department official.

Mr. Nandakumar said that he has been following up the work details both with the State Highways and the Railways. He urged then to complete the work expeditiously. He reminded that a similar bridge work near Kasba connecting Kanar Road with Anna Salai is in a limbo.

THE HINDU