Farmers Urge Tamil Nadu Government to Build Kudikadu-Ramanallur Bridge

The Tamil Nadu Cauvery Farmers Protection Association has submitted an appeal to the state government urging immediate steps to construct a bridge connecting Kudikadu in Thanjavur district with Ramanallur, an island situated in the Kollidam river. The proposed infrastructure is intended to facilitate seamless transit between Thanjavur district and the neighbouring Ariyalur district.

In a formal letter sent on Thursday, the association's secretary, Sundara Vimalanathan, highlighted that constructing the bridge across the Kollidam river would shorten the travel distance between Thanjavur and Ariyalur districts by 19 kilometres. In addition to reducing commuting time, the link is expected to lower fuel consumption significantly for local commuters and transport operators.

Farmers from the region have repeatedly submitted representations regarding the project to administrative authorities in the past, including the district collector and the revenue divisional officer of Kumbakonam. Former Papanasam MLA Jawaharilluah had also raised the demand in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on two separate occasions.

According to the association, the bridge will play a vital role in the regional economy by easing the movement of agricultural produce from 27 villages situated around Ramanallur to key markets in Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. The link will also provide safe and direct connectivity for numerous students travelling to schools and colleges across Kumbakonam and the wider Thanjavur area.

Vimalanathan stated that Highways Department officials have already prepared detailed cost estimates for the proposed bridge project. However, the work remains pending while awaiting formal administrative approval and financial sanction.

The association has urged the state government to secure funding through the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and execute the project through either the Highways Department or the Rural Development Department. Local residents also organised a human chain demonstration recently to press their demand for the bridge.