Trichy's Koraiyar Bridge Set for Demolition and Reconstruction
The State Highways Department has secured in-principle approval to demolish and reconstruct the Koraiyar high-level bridge on the Old Madurai Highway in Trichy. This crucial bridge connects the Panjapur integrated bus terminus (KKBT) with Trichy city, serving as a vital link for urban transport and regional connectivity.
Project Timeline and Details
Demolition work on the narrow bridge, located between E Pudur and Panjapur Green Park, is scheduled to commence on April 3. The replacement will be a new four-lane bridge constructed at an estimated cost of ₹23.5 crore. Officials aim to complete the project by October 2026, with a firm deadline for the bridge to be operational by January 2027.
The reconstruction was previously delayed due to the Prime Minister's recent visit to Panjapur and the scheduling of school board exams. However, preparatory work has already advanced significantly. The department recently completed a pile load test to assess the new structure's load-bearing capacity and has begun constructing a retaining wall on the northern side of the Koraiyar River.
Traffic and Infrastructure Challenges
The existing Koraiyar bridge has become a bottleneck for traffic, particularly from the Trichy-Chennai and Trichy-Madurai National Highways. While the rest of the Old Madurai Road from Panjapur junction to the Trichy junction RoB near the special police battalion ground features four lanes, the narrow bridge impedes smooth traffic flow, causing congestion and delays.
To manage traffic during construction, vehicles will be diverted via Mannarpuram. The Highways Department, in collaboration with the Revenue Department and city police, has conducted review meetings to enforce traffic diversion plans and ensure the safe closure of the Koraiyar bridge.
Design and Preparatory Work
The new bridge will include a center median and a pedestrian platform, enhancing safety and accessibility. Land acquisition for the project has already been completed, and Trichy Corporation's pipelines have been diverted to facilitate construction. Officials are confident that water flow in the Koraiyar River will not increase significantly over the next six months, allowing for uninterrupted work.
With these measures in place, the department is optimistic about reopening the new bridge by the end of the year, ultimately improving traffic efficiency and supporting Trichy's growing urban infrastructure needs.
