The restoration of Authoor new bridge, which is being carried out at a cost of around ₹4.50 crore, is progressing at a brisk pace and is expected to be completed within the contract period that will end in August.

The bridge across the Thamirabarani, connecting Mukkani and North Authoor, was severely damaged in 2023 floods in Thoothukudi district, rendering it unfit for vehicular traffic. Since then, the adjacent old bridge is being used as a two-way route, as it remains one of the primary transport links between Thoothukudi and Tiruchendur.

However, the old bridge experiences congestion, particularly during weekends and festival season, due to the increased influx of devotees travelling to Tiruchendur.

In view of this, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has allocated an estimated budget of around ₹4.77 crore for restoration of the damaged bridge. The work began in November last.

According to an engineer from the National Highways Department, the restoration work is being carried out based on the recommendations from experts at IIT-Madras, who are also conducting periodic site visits to monitor the progress of work.

“The process of stabilisation of the bridge piers through concrete reinforcement, along with the expansion of joints and replacement of bearing, is being carried out simultaneously, and the work is expected to be completed within the stipulated contract period ending in August,” the engineer added.

“At present, there is no possibility of delay. However, heavy rainfall could affect the schedule and lead to some delay,” the official further said.