Mettupalayam Plans New Four Lane Bridge Across Bhavani (1)
Mettupalayam is set to receive a crucial infrastructure upgrade with the proposed construction of a new four-lane bridge across the Bhavani River. This strategic development aims to alleviate pressing safety concerns regarding the existing aging structure, ensuring robust and uninterrupted connectivity between Coimbatore and Nilgiris districts. The project signifies a vital investment in regional mobility and long-term transport resilience.
The current concrete bridge, now over 40 years old, has become a source of significant public concern due to visible signs of wear and structural damage, including collapsed parapet walls. This structure currently bears the entire burden of daily traffic, including a substantial volume of tourist vehicles bound for Ooty and other popular destinations in the Nilgiris. An even older British-era bridge, constructed with stone pillars and an iron framework, has long been abandoned, highlighting a historical reliance on aging infrastructure.
Recognising the critical importance of this link—as the sole direct road connection between Coimbatore and Nilgiris districts—citizens and travellers have consistently urged authorities for an alternative. Any disruption to this bridge would severely impact inter-district transportation, local commerce, and the vital tourism sector, which underpins a significant portion of the regional economy. The proposed new structure is a direct response to these persistent demands for enhanced safety and capacity.
Officials from the National Highways wing of the State Highways Department have confirmed the preparation of a detailed project report and cost estimate for the new bridge. The proposed structure will be 115 metres long and 7.5 metres wide, designed to be built parallel to the existing concrete bridge. A proposal, along with a cost estimate of ₹12 crore, has been formally submitted to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for necessary approvals and funding allocation.
The comprehensive plan involves the dismantling of the defunct British-era iron bridge, with the new four-lane bridge to be constructed along the same alignment. This strategic approach will not only replace an obsolete structure but also optimise land use. Furthermore, encroachments around the site are slated for clearance to facilitate the construction. Upon receiving the requisite clearances and financial allocation from the central government, construction is expected to commence immediately, promising a swift transition to enhanced connectivity.
Beyond the new construction, the existing concrete bridge is also earmarked for renovation, with a separate proposal being prepared for its repair. This multi-pronged strategy aims to significantly improve overall road safety, effectively accommodate the steadily growing traffic volume, and ensure a reliable, high-capacity connection between Coimbatore and Nilgiris for decades to come. Such infrastructure investments are crucial for fostering sustainable, eco-friendly, and equitable cities by providing robust transport arteries that benefit both local communities and the broader tourism economy.
