State Highways opens new bridge near Walajah Government Hospital

The new bridge, which was originally approved in 2019, was implemented according to the state government’s annual plan. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

In a move that brought relief to hundreds of hospital staff and school students, the state highways on Saturday opened a ₹15.20 crore bridge near Government Taluk Hospital in Walajah on Walajah-Sholinghur High Road in Ranipet.

Officials of the National Highways (NH) wing, which carried out the work, said the purpose of the new bridge was to help hospital staff and patients cross the busy stretch safely.

The new bridge would also help students of Government Boys Higher Secondary School to cross the stretch. “The new bridge has ended the ordeal of crossing the stretch as the route witnesses continuous vehicular movement. Better safety measures should be provided on the new bridge to prevent reckless driving,” said R. Vinod, a motorist.

“The underpass has been opened immediately to allow pedestrians as most vehicles will use the bridge. Other minor works like painting will be completed soon,” S. Kumaraswamy, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), State Highways (Vellore), told The Hindu.

The stretch bisects the government hospital, with one section such as the main office building and outpatient department on one side of the stretch and other departments such as the CT scan center on the opposite side.

The new bridge, which was originally approved in 2019, was implemented according to the state government’s annual plan. The two-lane bridge is 500 meters long and 12 meters wide with at least 20 LED street lights on the bridge and its service lanes. There are also paved walkways with steel railings. People can also use the underpass of the bridge to cross the section.

Highway officials said vehicles can use the roadway on the bridge. Work is underway on new stormwater drains along the service lane, which is about 500 meters long and five meters wide, installation of LED street lighting, construction of a culvert and road safety measures such as reflectors and warning boards. These ongoing works, particularly on the service lane, will be completed in the coming weeks.

Published – 30 May 2026 23:48 IST