A newly built bridge across the Thenpennai river collapsed on December 3, 2024, during Cyclone Fengal — just three months after opening. The bridge sat at a river bend acknowledged in its own tender document, and nearby bridges survived the same flood undamaged. Anti-corruption group Arappor Iyakkam noted that six months on, no FIR or accountability action had been taken.
On record
The official record states: "Not specified — no formal government cause finding had been made public six months after the collapse."
Filed as "Collapsed" and dated to 2024 (opened Sept 2, 2024), this entry sits under the "~₹16 crore (reported ₹15.9 crore)" line of the public accounts.
What to expect
- A structure best photographed from a respectful distance.
- Warning boards whose advice was, at some point, overtaken by events.
- A view of the water that residents did not ask to have this closely.
- Contractor signage, still standing, credit unclear.
Sourcing
2 public sources — news reports, RTI replies and civic archives — corroborate this entry. The citation trail is listed below for anyone who would like to follow up with the department concerned.
“A landmark by attrition.”— Blunderlust Editorial Desk
Sources
- https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/arappor-seeks-probe-into-tiruvannamalai-bridge-collapse-835948
- https://www.pressreader.com/india/dt-next/20250605/281749865296359
Visitor reviews
“Went with my in-laws, who were surprisingly into it. Officially it is progressing; physically it is weathering.”
“Turned off the main road on a hunch, and there it was. The ribbon outlasted the resolve, and you can tell.”
“Made a pilgrimage of sorts after years of following the saga. Honestly, Tiruvannamalai should put it on the official map and own it.”