Cable-Stayed Bridge to Replace Chennai’s ‘Broken Bridge’

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has much more to celebrate than what meets the eye in coming to the end of a two-decade dream of getting rid of the long-abandoned ‘Broken Bridge’ over the Adyar River with a modern cable-stayed bridge. Tenders have already been floated for the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) to the tune of ₹20 lakh. While the new bridge will serve to connect Srinivasapuram on Marina Loop Road and Urur Olcott Kuppam close to Elliot’s Beach, both these coastal localities are set to get a connectivity boost.

The proposed bridge, which is likely to be 1.5 km long including the approach, will have four lanes as well as cycle paths on both sides. Inspired by Mumbai’s Bandra-Worli Sea Link, it is meant to marry utility with visual flair. The DPR will focus on deciding where to place piers and ramps, and how to divert traffic during construction and encroachments on either side of the river.

GCC Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran said that the DPR would be ready shortly. “After that, an estimate will be done and submitted to government,” he added. As it is situated in the CRZ-1 area, environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment will be imperative. Funding for the project is expected to be announced in the next state budget.

The ‘Broken Bridge,’ constructed in 1967 to connect fishing communities, partially collapsed in 1977 due to strong currents and has since been out of use. Its replacement is long overdue, but the proposal has divided residents and environmentalists.

Some residents worry that weekends will see heavy traffic jams, especially during days when Elliot’s Beach is very crowded. “Elliot’s Beach is already lively. Another bridge could lead to an increased volume of traffic. “Before completing the bridge, authorities should consider building a multi-level parking (MLP) facility for visitors,” said G.K. Rajesh Kumar, a Besant Nagar resident.

Environmentalists have also raised concerns about the project’s impact on the Adyar Estuary, which is home to diverse bird species and a nesting ground for turtles. Darker, quieter parts of the wilderness would be lost, potentially disrupting the delicate ecosystem. Part of this would be to respond to this environmental and traffic concern as the project moves forward.