Sea bridge connecting Lighthouse and Neelankarai under consideration: E.V. Velu

Tamil Nadu Minister for Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports E.V. Velu said on Friday (January 10, 2025) in the Legislative Assembly that the State government is exploring the possibility of constructing a bridge over the sea connecting Lighthouse and Neelankarai in Chennai.

Tamil Nadu Minister for Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports E.V. Velu said on Friday (January 10, 2025) in the Legislative Assembly that the State government is exploring the possibility of constructing a bridge over the sea connecting Lighthouse and Neelankarai in Chennai.

While responding to a question by K. Pitchandi, MLA from Kilpennathur, who suggested constructing a bridge over the sea, similar to Atal Setu in Mumbai, connecting Pattinapakkam and Mamallapuram, to reduce traffic congestion and avoid problems of land acquisition, the Minister said the Highways Department is considering such a project.

“In the first phase, linking Lighthouse and Neelankarai through a bridge over the sea for a stretch of 15 km, is under consideration. The State Highways Department is involved in preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The source of funds for the project, whether it is from the Centre or the State or any other means, will be decided later,” Mr. Velu said.

Further, he said the State government will write to the Centre urging it to take steps to build a bridge across Palk Strait, connecting Dhanushkodi, the eastern tip of Rameswaram island, and Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. Measures to build a bridge connecting Dhanushkodi and Talaimannar had been mooted earlier, but was not fructified due to various reasons, he added.