TN Government Explores Sea Bridge Project from Chennai Lighthouse to Neelankarai

The Tamil Nadu government has started the process of checking the viability of constructing a 15-kilometre-long sea bridge between the famous Lighthouse in Chennai and Neelankarai to strengthen coastal connectivity. The development was seen being shared by Public Works and Highways Minister E.V. Velu in the legislative assembly session on Friday.

The proposal emerged in response to Deputy Speaker K. Pitchandi’s suggestion of a sea bridge connecting Chennai Lighthouse to Mamallapuram, inspired by Mumbai’s Atal Setu. Minister Velu, however, highlighted that such a bridge would span an impractically long distance. Instead, the government is focusing on a shorter route for the initial phase, with officials actively preparing a detailed project report (DPR).

Funding strategies for the ambitious project are also under deliberation. “We are assessing whether to seek financial assistance from the Union government, involve private investors, or fund it through state resources,” Velu added.

Plans were also outlined for the East Coast Road (ECR) where traffic congestion would be eased, with the widening of the Thiruvanmiyur to Akkarai stretch into six lanes-a project to be executed by the recently established Tamil Nadu State Highways Authority. Velu noted that all future bridge constructions in the state would also fall under the purview of this authority.

During the session, Pitchandi inquired about potential plans for a bridge between Dhanushkodi and Sri Lanka. This, Minister Velu said, is because the Union government had made a proposal like that several times to the Sri Lankan government, but the Sri Lankan government rejected it every time.

A sea bridge proposed between Chennai Lighthouse and Neelankarai will also enhance transport infrastructure along the Tamil Nadu coast, improve connectivity, and remove bottlenecks in traffic. This would be a big milestone in the state’s agenda for infrastructure development if implemented.