Bridge a lifeline for Kattupalli

The Rs. 52-crore-facility was thrown open for traffic recently

Space has been provided for pedestrians and bicyclists on the bridge. Photo: M. Srinath

For residents of Kattupalli, a fishing hamlet north of the Ennore Creek, a new bridge across the water body has come as a blessing.

“Since we were cut off from the mainland, we were mainly dependent on local trains. We had to travel around 7.5 km to reach Athipattu railway station. The new bridge will allow us to reach Chennai Central faster,” said A. Socrates, a resident who works at Ennore.

After the Rs. 52-crore-bridge across the creek was thrown open for traffic recently, he reaches his office in 15 minutes instead of the usual one hour. The 1.84-km-long bridge constructed by the Highways Department will also help improve connectivity to areas including Minjur, Vallur, Athipattu and even Pulicat.

“Earlier, we used to take a circuitous route via Manali, Vallur and Athipattu to reach Kamarajar Port at Ennore and the L&T port at Kattupalli. But now, the drive has become shorter,” said an employee at Kamarajar Port.

The bridge, which takes off at Ennore and ends at Kuruvimedu near the North Chennai Thermal Power Station, also has space for pedestrians and bicyclists.

“Since the bridge takes off near a school, a concrete wall has been constructed in place of a brick wall. Similarly, speed breakers have also been laid to prevent accidents. Reflectors and lighting will be provided soon,” said an official in the Highways Department.

M. Desappan, a resident of Nettukuppam, said that bus services must be introduced on the bridge connecting Ennore with Kattupalli, Athipattu and other areas.