CHENNAI: The state govt has sanctioned Rs 177 crore for the construction of 34 bridges across several districts. This initiative aims to address flood-damaged infrastructure, connectivity issues, and public requests submitted through the Chief Minister’s Ungal Thoguthiyil Muthalamaichar initiative. The project prioritises 34 bridges out of an initially proposed 84, utilising state funds instead of the originally planned NABARD-RIDF assistance.
The funding will facilitate the construction of 24 bridges based on petitions received through Ungal Thoguthiyil Muthalamaichar. Five bridges will replace structures damaged by floods, and five more will address local connectivity needs.
Salem district leads with six bridge projects planned across P N Palayam, Attur, Gangavalli, and Ayothipattinam blocks. Flood-affected Krishnagiri district follows with new bridges slated for Uthangarai and Veppanapalli blocks.
Trichy, Vellore, and Villupuram districts will each receive three bridges. Namakkal and Tuticorin districts will each receive two. Districts receiving one bridge each include Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Dindigul, Dharmapuri, Erode, Madurai, The Nilgiris, Tiruppur, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, and Virudhunagar.
The director has been directed to monitor the works very closely and ensure the quality of works as per prescribed standards, an order said.
The initial proposal from the Director of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj was to build 84 bridges at a cost of Rs 414 crore. This proposal sought funding under NABARD-RIDF for the current fiscal year, based on district-level proposals. Thirty-four bridges were later prioritised, shifting the funding source to state funds.
