The prolonged delay in the completion of ₹14 crore foot over bridge (FOB) across railway track to connect the new bus terminus with the railway station in Tiruvannamalai town is forcing hundreds of pedestrians including commuters and students to cross the track to reach these two facilities every day.

Commuters said that once completed, the new steel bridge will help commuters from the new bus terminus and railway station to reach these two facilities easier and safely. At present, commuters have to cross the railway track to get access to these facilities. “Due to the delay in completion of the new bridge, we have to walk across the track to board trains and buses every day. School students, office goers, women and senior citizens were most affected,” said K. Bhoopalan, a commuter.

Officials of State Highways, which is executing the work along with Southern Railway, said that the Southern Railway has been requested to give its nod to install a steel floor of the new bridge across the railway track. As it involves signalling of incoming trains towards Tiruvannamalai railway station, it requires diversion of certain trains to facilitate the installation of steel floors across the track.

Highways officials said that the request for diversion of trains was made to Southern Railway before elections. Bridge work was also halted due to the existence of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the polls. “The process of clearance for diversion of trains has been fastened. The new bridge will be ready by July,” K. Anbarasu, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), State Highways, told The Hindu.

Funded under the Chief Minister Road Development Plan (CMRDP) 2024-25, the new bridge will be 70 metres in length, six metres in height and 20 feet wide. The new facility will have staircases and escalators for users. Additionally, it will also have two lifts on both sides of the facility. Each lift, on an average, has a capacity of 13 persons.

Highways officials said that ramps will be built for persons with disabilities to use the new facility. Wheelchairs will also be provided for them to reach the railway station. LED lighting, CCTV cameras and steel railings on the bridge will be provided.