Announcement of new bridge over Palar elates locals

“Katpadi MLA Duraimurugan had mooted a ground level causeway on the same stretch twice during the DMK government. But the project failed to take off due to certain reasons,” said Vijaysekar Boopal, a resident of Sathuvachary.

The proposed bridge will link Sathuvachary on the Chennai-Bengaluru National Highway with Katpadi through Kangeyanallur.

“Once inaugurated, the bridge will reduce travel time and distance between the two places by half,” said consumer activist, K Sathiyamoorthy.

Vehicles coming from Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh towards Chennai can directly enter the National Highway without having to enter Vellore city, thereby greatly reducing traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.

“Vehicles can be allowed entry from Sathuvachary phase IV or Alamelumangapuram. Old Sathuvachary village need not be disturbed then,” said Boopal.

According to a recently-conducted private survey, nearly 2,000 two-wheelers cross the Palar river bed, which is currently bereft of water, to reach either ends daily. Locals said the movement of vehicles would be impossible when there is a water flow in Palar. Under such a circumstance, motorists will be forced to use the old and new Palar bridges.

State highways officials feel the new bridge will be a boon, as it would allow them to divert traffic as and when necessary.

A month ago, officials announced the closure of the old Palar bridge for repairs but quietly gave up the idea when they found that their planned diversions did not work, especially at the Gandhinagar end where multi-axle vehicles could not turn fully. They had then announced that vehicles from Andhra Pradesh bound for Chennai turn left at Chittoor Gate and reach the National Highway at Walajapet, 30 km from Vellore