The bridge over Vaigai river near Thiruppuvanam in Sivaganga connecting Ladanenthal and K. Pethannenthal has no streetlights.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Months after the inauguration of a long-awaited high-level bridge across the Vaigai river near Tiruppuvanam, local residents are facing safety hazards due to lack of proper lighting and narrow approach roads.The bridge, connecting Ladanenthal and K. Pethannenthal, was built by the Highways Department at a cost of ₹17.78 crore and opened to the public on January 31.It serves roughly 10 villages—including Manalmedu, Kanakkankudi, Karungulam, Venkatti, Sadangi, and Pappakudi—providing a direct route to Tiruppuvanam and Madurai.Previously, residents had to take a grueling 10-km detour whenever the river flooded, making the bridge a vital 30-year dream for the community.However, more than seven months after its opening, authorities have yet to install streetlights on the structure, leaving the bridge in complete darkness after sunset.Commuters and farmers have raised serious concerns over the resulting safety risks.“Since the bridge is dark at night, accidents occur frequently,” said Manalmedu Raja, a local farmer.He added that the darkness has also attracted anti-social elements who consume alcohol on the bridge, making it intimidating for women and children to use the stretch after dark.In addition to the lighting issue, residents are urging authorities to widen the narrow approach road leading from Ladanenthal to the bridge to ensure smoother vehicular movement.Villagers have appealed to the district administration to urgently install streetlights and expand the approach road to fully realise the safety benefits of the new infrastructure. Published - August 26, 2026 08:37 pm IST
