The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has acknowledged recurring potholes and cracks on the deck slab of the Vallanadu Thamirabarani river bridge on NH-138, which connects Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts. The authority said a proposal for permanent repairs was awaiting approval from the competent authority.

In a letter dated October 28, NHAI Thoothukudi project director Krishnendra Dwivedi responded to a complaint filed through the CPGRAMS portal by M. Sugan Christopher, a volunteer with We the Leaders from Melaputhaneri in Tirunelveli. He said rehabilitation work had been completed on July 10, 2024, based on recommendations from expert teams of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), New Delhi.

Minor depressions and cracks later appeared on the bridge deck and were being attended to by the existing contractor whenever they were noticed. An estimate for permanent repairs, prepared on the recommendation of a bridge expert, had been forwarded for approval. The work will follow NHAI and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways guidelines, while interim repairs will continue to protect traffic.

The bridges have suffered damage on 21 occasions since opening in 2012, raising concerns about the durability of successive rehabilitation efforts. The twin structures were built at an estimated cost of Rs. 250 mn and were assured a 100-year lifespan. A concrete crack and a cavity extending about 10 feet had appeared in one bridge as early as 2017.

The matter is also pending before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, where petitioners have sought comprehensive repairs, reconstruction and action over alleged construction irregularities. During a hearing on October 26, the Division Bench questioned the claim that heavy vehicles caused the damage, directed monitoring of repair work and sought a status report by November 23. The court warned that it could appoint an expert committee if maintenance was inadequate. Christopher has also sought an independent structural safety audit and publication of inspection reports, repair costs and current structural assessments.