The long-stalled rail overbridge (ROB) project at Thanneerpandal junction near Tidel Park is finally moving forward, with the State Highways (SH) department floating tenders and beginning the scrutiny of bids. Construction is expected to begin within 10–15 days once the contractor is finalised.

The ROB, planned across Railway Level Crossing Gate No. 6, has been delayed for over a decade due to land acquisition hurdles, court cases, and funding issues. With the crossing shut for several years, residents have been forced to take long detours, severely affecting local mobility.

While the Southern Railway’s Salem Division has already completed its portion—a 27-metre-long deck across the tracks—locals have repeatedly urged authorities to temporarily reopen the crossing until the ROB is ready.

A senior SH department official told TNIE that multiple bids have been received, and the final contractor will be selected in the coming week. Once that is done, on-ground work will begin soon after.