Mon Apr 28 13:13:16 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu to Build High-Level Bridge Across Cauvery River
**Salem, Tamil Nadu – April 28, 2025** – Construction of a long-awaited high-level bridge across the Cauvery River, connecting Ottanur in Dharmapuri district and Kottaiyur in Salem district, is moving forward. The Tamil Nadu State Highways Department has launched geotechnical investigations, which are expected to be completed within two weeks.
The ₹600-700 crore project, fully funded by the state government, aims to address the decades-long transportation challenges faced by residents of several villages. For over 75 years, these communities have relied on boats and coracles to cross the river, a journey of 2-5 kilometers, creating significant hardships, especially during flooding. Hundreds of students have been forced to use this unreliable method to reach schools and colleges on the opposite side of the river.
The project was initially proposed in 2015-16 but was deemed infeasible at that time. Following renewed demands and an election promise by the DMK, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the project in 2022, allocating ₹2 crore for initial studies.
The 2.4-kilometer bridge is projected to reduce travel time significantly and cut travel distances for vehicles heading to Bengaluru from Mysore by 80 kilometers, saving an estimated ₹1,200 crore annually in vehicle operating costs. Officials anticipate the bridge will transform the Ottanur-Kottaiyur area into a tourist destination within ten years, boosting the local economy and Salem’s GDP.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is expected by July, and the government aims to complete construction within three years. Advanced construction techniques are being considered to reduce costs and construction time.
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