Date:03/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/03/stories/2009010358740300.htm

Tamil Nadu

New pedestrian bridge to be constructed

Special Correspondent

At a cost of Rs.64 lakh; for the benefit of college students

— Photo: M.Srinath

WAY TO PROGRESS: A view of the bridge leading to Government Arts College for Men in Kumbakonam.

KUMBAKONAM: Public Works Department (PWD) will take up construction of a new pedestrian bridge across the Cauvery leading from Sahaji Road to the Government College (autonomous) here at a cost of Rs. 65 lakh.

The college, known as Cambridge of South India and 150 years old, is located on the banks of the Cauvery.

A pedestrian bridge leading to the college adds to its beauty and helps students go to the college.

The present bridge which is more than 100 years old has outlived its utility. Students are not using the bridge and are going in a roundabout way to the college. Responding to the demand made by students, staff and public, it has been decided to construct a new bridge downstream the present bridge after dismantling the old one.

Technical Education Department is providing Rs. 25 lakh for the purpose.

Minister’s gesture

Ko. Si. Mani, Cooperation Minister and Kumbakonam MLA, is providing Rs. 40 lakh from his local area development fund.

The bridge is 75 metres long and three metres wide.

Asokan, Executive Engineer, PWD, Cauvery division, said that works would be completed during summer this year.

“Actually work has to be carried out by the Technical Education Department. As it can allot only Rs. 25 lakh for the bridge, it was thought that the work could not be completed with the fund. The Cooperation Minister wanted the PWD to carry out the work. Tenders would be floated by the end of January and the work would be started in February,” he said.