New Four‑Lane Bhavani Bridge Proposed at Mettupalayam

The National Highways wing of the State Highways Department has announced plans for a new four‑lane bridge across the Bhavani River near Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu. This initiative comes in response to serious safety concerns voiced by residents: the current 40‑year‑old concrete bridge, built in 1984 is reportedly vibrating and swaying when heavy vehicles cross, posing a danger to commuters.

The existing structure links Mettupalayam with the Nilgiris, acting as a critical conduit for daily commuters and tourist traffic. Alongside worries over structural integrity, locals have also pointed out the presence of an abandoned British‑era steel bridge nearby. Community advocates suggest restoring it for pedestrian use or preserving it as a heritage site.

According to B. Dhanabalan, the divisional engineer from the National Highways Department, the newly proposed bridge is estimated at ₹12 crore and awaits funding approval from the Road Transport and Highways Ministry. Once backing is secured, plans include dismantling the old steel bridge and conducting a thorough structural assessment of the current concrete span, with strengthening measures as needed.

The project aims not only to ensure safer travel but also to sustain connectivity to the Nilgiris, benefiting both residents and tourists alike.