Tiruchirappalli, July 12, 2026 – The State Highways Department demolished the aging Kottai Vaikal bridge in June to pave the way for a modern structure, but work stalled for over a month after the Tiruchirappalli Corporation had to shift a drinking‑water pipeline that ran alongside the canal.

Project Stagnation and Resumption

With the pipeline relocation now complete, the department has resumed construction, promising to accelerate the schedule. A senior official assured that additional crews and equipment have been deployed to finish the bridge at the earliest possible date.

Technical Specifications of the New Bridge

The new bridge, budgeted at ₹3.5 crore, will replace the existing 3.9‑metre‑wide, 23‑metre‑long structure with a 10‑metre‑wide, 25‑metre‑long span. This expansion will allow buses, trucks, and other heavy vehicles to cross without the bottlenecks that currently plague the route.

Impact on Local Traffic

Chathiram bus stand, one of the city’s busiest hubs, sees heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the day. The nearby Anna Statue junction has long been a choke point, despite periodic interventions such as reducing the round‑about size and installing road dividers.

Residents’ Concerns and Demands

Local residents expressed frustration over the prolonged closure. “It has been more than a month since the old bridge was demolished, yet progress is minimal. We hope the authorities will complete the work without further delay,” said J. Mohan, a nearby resident.