Rs 43L facelift for Maraimalai Adigal Bridge in 2 weeks

“Under this project, we will carry out various works, including painting, laying of footpaths and installation of railings on the top of parapet walls. We will commence the works in another two weeks. It is expected to be completed in three months,” said an official from Highways.

Upon increasing the height of footpaths, the Highways Department has decided to install the railings on the compound walls. The funds are allocated under the Adyar River Restoration Project.

Originally, the bridge was built in 1728 and named Marmalong Bridge. The first renovation work was undertaken in 1966, which was later renamed after the Tamil poet, Maraimalai Adigal.

It is a long-pending work which requires the attention of the authorities as the Metro works have been completed. It connects the northern banks of the Adyar River with the South. The partially completed footpath abutting the government offices on both sides will be completed while taking up the renovation works. For facilitating beautification, the Public Works Departmentand the Revenue Department had removed encroachments from both sides.

“Encroachments are being removed at the regular intervals. But they keep coming back. They obstruct the free flow of water and weakens the facility,” an official attached to the PWD said.

However, an official from the Highways Department said, “Under this project, we are not taking upworks related to the bed protection. At present, it is not on our agenda.”