A new high-level bridge has been inaugurated across the Ponnai, a tributary of the Palar river, on the Chittoor-Tiruttani High Road at Paramasathu village near Katpadi. The inauguration took place on Friday and was officiated by the Minister for Water Resources, Duraimurugan, alongside other key officials including the Minister for Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports E.V. Velu, Minister for Handlooms and Textiles R. Gandhi, MP D.M. Kathir Anand, and Collector V.R. Subbulaxmi.
This new structure, built adjacent to a bridge that was severely damaged during Cyclone Nivar in November 2020, will significantly reduce travel times for local residents who previously faced a detour of nearly 10 km through Arcot to access nearby towns such as Melvisharam, Walajah, Katpadi, and Vellore.
Local farmer S. Velan expressed his optimism about the bridge, stating, “The new bridge will help us transport farm produce from villages to nearest towns easily. Buses will also resume their services on the new route to villages across the river.”
Constructed under the Permanent Floods Restoration Scheme 2021-22, the bridge, which cost ₹35 crore and was developed by the NABARD Wing of the State Highways Department, spans 297 metres in length and 15 metres in width, accommodating two buses side by side with support from 16 pillars.
Notably, the new bridge is four times the length of the previous structure, which measured only 70 metres. Its enhanced design offers improved accessibility for several villages along the river during flooding events, featuring tiled footpaths, LED lighting, rainwater inlets, reflectors, signboards, and hand railings.
This project serves as a vital connection for approximately 15 villages, including Paramasathu, Vallimalai, Keeraisathu, and others in Vellore and Ranipet districts. Previously, these communities faced lengthy journeys to reach essential services in the event of emergencies.
In addition to the bridge inauguration, the Minister also evaluated ongoing restoration efforts for the check dam in Ponnai village that was damaged during the November 2021 floods. The restoration, funded by the World Bank with a budget of ₹19.46 crore, commenced in March 2023.
The historic Ponnai check dam, built in 1857, features water channels extending 51.96 km, 32 km, and 18 km on its eastern, southern, and western sides respectively. These channels are crucial for managing excess rainwater, aiding in the irrigation of over 20,000 hectares cultivated by more than 10,000 farmers, while also supporting the domestic water needs of approximately 10.20 lakh residents. Officials have indicated that the restoration of the check dam is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
