Chennai is set to rebuild a critical bridge over the Kodungaiyur canal to prevent a repeat of last year’s flood crisis. The local body has floated tenders to demolish and reconstruct the low-lying bridge, aiming to complete work before the northeast monsoon. The project is expected to improve flood resilience in areas like Muthamil Nagar, frequently cut off during heavy rainfall.
Chennai’s Kodungaiyur area has long suffered from flood disruptions. In past monsoons, residents were stranded as water levels surged above waist height. Officials say the current bridge’s low elevation restricts floodwater flow, forcing water into residential pockets. The reconstruction project, once completed, will raise the bridge level and widen the canal passage, ensuring faster drainage and better flood prevention for the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Authorities confirmed that tenders have been issued to select a private contractor for the project, estimated at ₹2.5 crore. The goal is to complete the work before the monsoon’s peak in October-November. The successful bidder will demolish the current bridge and construct a raised version, designed to provide uninterrupted access even during intense rainfall. This is part of a broader flood control programme being executed across Chennai.
The bridge rebuild aligns with a series of recent measures, including canal wall reinforcement, plastic waste removal, and drainage restoration. Experts stress the need for pre-monsoon preparedness as climate change intensifies rainfall events. Raising the bridge and ensuring wider sluices will mitigate waterlogging and prevent isolation of flood-prone communities. Residents have welcomed the move, calling it a long-overdue fix to a chronic urban problem.
In addition to construction works, officials are coordinating with multiple departments to ensure speedy project execution. The new structure is designed for long-term resilience and will be equipped to handle higher volumes of runoff. Officials stressed that flood-prone infrastructure across the city is being reviewed and upgraded. Timely completion of the Kodungaiyur project could serve as a model for flood mitigation in similar vulnerable zones across Chennai.
Chennai’s proactive push to rebuild the Kodungaiyur bridge could significantly ease flooding challenges in the coming monsoon. With construction expected to start by July, residents hope the redesigned bridge will offer long-term relief. As urban flood risks rise, timely infrastructure upgrades such as these are key to protecting lives, property, and city-wide connectivity during peak weather events.
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Chennai to Rebuild Flood-Prone Kodungaiyur Bridge Before Monsoon