Unsafe Bridge on Villupuram Kallakurichi Highway — Trucks Banned But Still Using It

A bridge on the Villupuram-Kallakurichi Highway over the Gomukhi River at Olakkur has been assessed as structurally unsafe by PWD engineers, with heavy vehicles officially banned — but trucks continue to use it daily due to lack of enforcement. Bridge safety details: - Bridge name: Gomukhi River Bridge, Olakkur, Villupuram-Kallakurichi Highway - PWD structural assessment in May 2026 rated the bridge as Category C — load restricted to 8 tonnes - Advisory signboard placed banning vehicles above 8 tonnes - Reality: 20–30 tonne fully loaded trucks cross the bridge daily — enforcement absent - Visible cracks on two bridge pillars and spalling concrete on deck underside - Bridge constructed in 1978 — 48 years old, no major rehabilitation done Risk assessment: - The bridge carries approximately 1,200 vehicles per day - If bridge fails during peak hour it could affect 50+ vehicles simultaneously - Gomukhi River has 8 metre depth at bridge location during monsoon season - Alternative route: 34 km detour via Sankarapuram — why trucks ignore the ban Action demanded: - Immediate physical barrier preventing heavy trucks from entering bridge - Police deployment at both ends during peak hours - Emergency rehabilitation or alternative bridge construction PWD Bridges Villupuram: 04146-222345 Villupuram District Collector: 04146-222100 Highway Police: 044-28524000